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Prohibition  Advance  in  all  Lands 


Works  by  Mr.  Guy  Hayler 


“ The  Prohibition  Movement.” 

Record  of  the  great  Prohibition  Convention,  1897. 

Large  octavo  vol.,  400  pages.  6/- 

“ George  Proctor,  the  Teetotaler.'’ 

A Story  of  the  Temperance  Movement. 

Octavo  vol.,  280  pages.  3/6 

“ The  Master  Method.” 

An  Enquiry  into  the  Liquor  Question  of  America. 

With  Introduction  by  Dr.  G.  W.  Kitchen,  Dean  of  Durham. 
Octavo  vol.,  120  pages.  1/. 

“ Famous  Fanatics.” 

Illustrating  the  work  of  celebrated  Total  Abstainers. 

With  Introduction  by  the  Rev.  William  Durban,  B.  D. 

Octavo  vol.,  214  pages.  Cloth  Gilt,  2/6  ; Paper  Covers,  !/• 

“ Temperance  Outlook  throughout  the  World.” 

Report  to  International  Good  Templar  Supreme  Lodge,  Wash- 
ington (United  States),  1908 
Large  octavo  vol.,  96  pages.  Paper  Cover,  4d. 

“The  World’s  Fight  against  Alcoholism.” 

Report  to  International  Good  Templar  Supreme  Lodge,  Hamburg 
(Germany),  1911. 

Large  octavo  vol.,  104  pages.  Paper  Cover,  4d. 


Also  tlie  following 


POPULAR  PENNY  PAMPHLETS 


“ Evolution  of  the  Temperance  Movement.” 

“The  Real  Hindrance  to  Progress.” 

“Temperance  in  the  British  Colonies.” 

“ Prohibition  ; Does  it  Prohibit  ? Whom  to  ask  ? 
“ The  Degradation  of  Ashington.” 

“Temperance  and  the  Co-operative  Movement.” 

“ The  Gothenburg  System.” 

“ Prohibition  : Is  it  Practicable  ? ” 


TO  BE  HAD  FROM 

Mr,  E,  P,  GASTON,  Hon,  Sec,  International  Prohibition  Confederation, 
133,  SALISBURY  SQUARE,  LONDON,  E.C, 


Prohibition  Advance 
IN  ALL  Lands 

A STUDY  OF  THE  WORLD-WIDE  CHARACTER  OF 
THE  DRINK  QUESTION 


BY 

Guy  FIayler 

(President  International  Prohibition  Confederation) 


151233 

Westerville,  Ohio,  U.S.A. 
American  Issue  Publishing  Company 
London,  England  ; 

International  Prohibition  Confederation 
133,  Salisbury  Square,  E.C. 

1914 


Send  out  the  summons  East  and  West, 
And  South  and  North,  let  all  be  there. 
Where  He  who  pitied  the  oppressed 
Swing's  out  in  sun  and  air. 


Leave  studied  wit  and  guarded  phrase 
For  those  who  think  but  do  not  feel  ; 
Let  men  speak  out  in  words  which  raise 
Where’er  they  fall,  an  answering  blaze 
Like  flints  which  strike  the  fire  from  steel 


Ho  ! every  true  and  living  soul. 

To  Freedom’s  perilled  altar  bear 
The  Freeman’s  and  the  Christian’s  whole 
Tongue,  pen,  and  vote,  and  prayer  ! 

One  last  great  battle  for  the  right. 

One  short,  sharp  struggle  to  be  free  ! 
To  do  is  to  succeed — our  fight 

Is  waged  in  heaven’s  approving  sight  ; 
The  smile  of  God  is  victory. 

— -John  Greenleaf  Whittier. 


lit  V-  • 


> 


TO 


ROSALIND,  COUNTESS  OF  CARLISLE, 


IN  GRATEFUL  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 


OF 


Comradeship  in  Struggle 


AND 


Never-failing  Kindness  and  Help 
in  all  times  of 
Perplexity  and  Difficulty, 

A True  Leader  and  a Steadfast  Friend, 
this  work 

IS  INSCRIBED  BY  THE  AUTHOR. 


151233 


See  the  efforts  of  man  as  he  onward  advances, 
The  wave  soon  runs  back 
Or  is  broken  in  spray  ; 

But  the  effort  renews,  and  in  spite  of  mischances. 
To-morrow  is  still 
In  advance  of  to-day.” 


— Thomas  Luke  Lynch. 


Preface 


At  the  request  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Inter- 
national Prohibition  Confederation,  I have  prepared  the  following 
statement  on  the  “ Prohibition  Advance  in  all  Lands.”  The  work 
is  sent  forth,  not  in  any  way  as  a complete  study  of  the  position 
of  the  Temperance  and  Prohibitory  movement,  but  rather  as 
a survey  of  the  ever-widening  struggle  against  the  liquor  traffic 
which  is  being  carried  on  in  all  parts  of  the  world. 

In  my  many  visits  to  the  various  parts  of  the  Continent  of 
Europe,  the  United  States  of  America,  and  Canada,  together  with 
my  visit  tO'  Egypt,  Palestine,  Malta,  etc.,  I have  not  only  become 
acquainted  with  the  leaders  of  the  movement  in  these  countries, 
but  I have  been  able  by  personal  investigation  to  learn  much 
respecting  both  the  evils  of  the  liquor  traffic  and  the  efforts 
which  are  being  put  forth  for  its  suppression. 

I have  found  a general  concensus  of  opinion  among  the 
workers  in  all  parts  that  the  liquor  traffic  must  be  destroyed  by 
National  Prohibition  or  Local  No-Licence;  that  such  palliatives 
as  so-called  ‘‘  Disinterested  Management,”  Gothenburg  or 
Norwegian  Systems,  Dispensaries,  Municipalisation,  National- 
isation, etc.,  as  a means  to  the  suppression  of  drunkenness  and 
all  its  horrible  by-products,  are  transcendant  frauds,  and  that  in 
the  hands  of  the  liquor  interest  they  become  powerful  obstacles 
in  the  way  of  progressive  Temperance  legislation. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  work  there  has  been  poured  in 
upon  me,  from  every  quarter  of  the  globe,  numerous  books,  pam- 
phlets, magazines,  and  newspapers,  placards.  Consular  reports, 
official  documents,  reports  of  Parliamentary  proceedings  and 
Commissions  of  Enquiry,  Copies  of  Acts  of  Parliament,  and 
various  other  information  referring  to  the  past  and  present  de- 
velopments of  the  prohibitory  and  liquor  legislation  throughout 
the  world. 

I have  not  been  able  to  use  a tithe  of  the  information  sent 
to  me,  but  with  my  long  study  of  the  question  and  with  the 
kindly  help  of  so  many  friends,  every  effort  has  been  made  to 
prepare  as  complete  and  as  reliable  a work  as  difference  in 
language  and  method  of  work  renders  possible. 


viii. 


I acknowledge  the  exceptional  help  of  the  following  : — 
Mr.  Charles  H.  Roberts,  M.P.,  in  reading  the  whole  of  the 
proofs  ; Mr.  L.  Larsen-Ledet  (Denmark),  Pastor  A.  Brend  (Faroe 
Islands),  Mr.  Petur  Zophoniasson  (Iceland),  Pastor  Th.  Aarseth 
and  Mr.  Arne  Halgjem  (Norway),  Hon.  Edvard  Wavrinsky, 
M.P.,  and  Mr.  A.  Bjorkman  (Sweden),  Miss  Elisabeth  von 
Grewingk  (Russia),  Herr  Franziskus  Hahnel  (Germany),  Mr. 
Albert  Schuller  (Hungary),  Mr.  Tadenoz  Strumillo  (Poland), 
Mr.  P.  Van  der  Meulen  (Holland),  Madam  Keelhoff  (Belgium), 
Dr.  Legrain  (France),  Mr.  A.  R.  Ecroyd  (Spain),  Dr.  R.  Hercod 
(Switzerland),  Professor  Pavoni  (Italy),  Mr.  D.  M.  Domian 
(Palestine),  Mrs.  E.  Human  (Ceylon),  Mr.  James  D.  Neilage 
(Burma),  Mr.  Thomas  Searle  (South  Africa),  Mr.  Charles 
M.  Dimbleb}^  (Cape  Colony),  Rev.  D.  H.  Mackinnon 
(Nova  Scotia),  Mr.  F.  S.  Spence  (Ontario),  Mr.  J.  H. 
Roberts  (Quebec),  Mr.  W.  W.  Buchanan  (Manitoba),  Rev. 
E.  C.  Dinwiddle  (U.S.A.),  Mr.  William  E.  Johnson  (Ohio), 
Dr.  Wilbur  F.  Crafts  (Washington),  Mr.  F.  D.  L.  Squires 
(Chicago,  111.),  Professor  Charles  Scanlon,  A.M.  (Pittsburg,  Pa.), 
Mr.  B.  E.  Hockert  (Conn.),  Mr.  Ernest  H.  Cherrington  (M'ester- 
ville,  O.),  Mr.  John  W.  Cummings  (New  York),  Rev.  G.  Y'. 
Eichelderger,  D.D.  (Mississippi),  Mr.  H.  P.  Paulsen  (Mass.), 
Rev.  C.  H.  Williams  (West  Indies),  Dr.  \'ictor  Delfino  (Argen- 
tine), Mrs.  Carrie  von  Domselaar  (Uruquay),  Rev.  John  Dawson 
and  Mr.  J.  Harrison  (New  Zealand),  Mr.  F.  W.  Finlayson,  M.P. 
(Western  Australia),  Mr.  J.  R.  Mann  and  Mr.  J.  O.  Barrett 
(Victoria),  Mr.  H.  H.  Tapscott  (South  Australia),  Archdeacon 
Boyce  (New  South  Wales),  Mr.  Tom  Honeyman  (Scotland),  Rev. 
J.  Macmillan,  D.D.  (Ireland),  Mr.  Theo.  C.  Taylor,  M.P.  (Rad- 
cliff),  Mr.  Frederick  Grubb,  Secretary  Anglo-Indian  Temperance 
Association  (London),  Mr.  John  Newton,  Secretary  Native  Races 
and  the  Liquor  Traffic  United  Committee  (London),  Mr.  Edward 
Page  Gaston,  F.R.G.S.,  Hon.  Secretary'  International  Prohibition 
Confederation  (London),  and  a host  of  others. 

I can  only  hope  that  this  volume  may  be  of  service  in  the 
struggle  against  Alcoholism ; it  will  then  have  amply  repaid 
me  for  my  labour  and  expense. 


GUY  HAYLER. 


South  Norwood  Park,  London,  S.E. 

September,  1913. 


Introduction 


Mr.  Hayler,  in  the  pages  of  this  volume,  has  reviewed  the 
movement  for  the  restriction  of  the  liquor  trade,  both  at  home 
and  abroad. 

“ Let  observation,  with  extended  view. 

Survey  the  world  from  China  to  Peru.  ” 

He  has  brought  together  a large  body  of  useful  information 
illustrating  the  movement  towards  Prohibition,  which  is  at  work 
in  different  parts  of  the  world. 

It  is  not  by  any  means  an  easy  task  to  give  brief  and  accurate 
summaries  of  the  Temperance  position  in  a number  of  foreign 
countries.  Mr.  Hayler  is  responsible  for  the  facts  which  he 
gives  and  for  the  inferences  from  the  facts  which  he  draws.  But 
his  accounts  have  been  checked  and  revised  by  Temperance 
reformers  resident  each  in  their  respective  countries,  and  the  out- 
come is  a comprehensive  account,  from  the  Prohibitionist  stand- 
point, of  the  measure  of  progress  which  has  been  secured.  It  is 
difficult  to  keep  pace  with  the  varying  fortunes  and  phases  of  the 
Temperance  movement.  Changes  produced  by  new  legislation 
and  by  successful  No-licence  campaigns,  are  so'  incessant  that 
information  soon  grows  obsolete;  and  social  reformers  must 
welcome  the  opportunity  of  bringing  up  to  date  their  knowledge 
of  the  Temperance  achievements  of  different  lands. 

Let  it  be  frankly  admitted  that  over  large  tracts  of  territory 
the  Prohibitionist  harvest  is  light,  and  it  requires  in  many  cases 
the  eye  of  faith  to  detect  the  growing  seed.  Still,  the  reader  of 
the  following  pages  will  probably  be  far  more  impressed  by  the 
mass  of  effort  and  accomplished  work  that  has  to  be  chronicled 
and  recorded. 

For  English  reformers,  I should  venture  briefly  to  single 
out  for  special  attention  two  salient  points.  In  the  first  place, 
we  have  not  yet  in  England  sufficiently  realised  the  growth  of 
the  Temperance  movement  on  the  Continent  of  Europe.  That 


movement  largely  rests  on  a scientific  basis  and  on  the  experi- 
mental investigation  of  the  action  of  alcohol.  It  is  led  by  men 
of  intellect,  doctors  and  others,  who  as  soon  as  their  attention 
is  aroused,  find  that  the  ravages  of  alcoholism  are  visible  enough 
in  their  own  country.  In  view  of  this  experience,  and  in  the 
light  of  the  high  consumption  of  alcoholic  liquors  in  those  lands, 
it  is  ludicrous  for  us  in  England  to  be  told  at  this  date  that  our 
salvation  lies  in  the  continental  cafd  or  the  German  beer-garden. 

The  second  inference  that  is  to  be  drawn  is  that  for  England 
the  policy  of  No-Licence  and  the  principle  of  Local  Option  con- 
stitute the  real  fighting  issue  of  Temperance  reform.  That 
principle  has  indeed  at  last  been  accepted  by  the  British  Parlia- 
ment through  the  passing  of  the  Temperance  (Scotland)  .'\ct, 
though  the  application  is  limited  as  yet  to  one  single  part  of  the 
United  Kingdom.  There  are  doubters  who  are  still  unconvinced 
that  permissive  powers  are  ever  likely  to  be  utilised  under  the 
industrial  conditions  of  our  country,  or  that  the  suppression  of 
the  liquor  trade,  if  it  were  obtained,  would  ever  be  justified  by 
results.  It  is  idle  to  argue  with  the  prophets  and  the  pessimists. 
They  had  best  be  pointed  to  the  wide  range  of  successful  No- 
Licence  experiments,  especially  in  the  United  States,  in  the 
British  Dominions,  and  in  Scandinavia.  These  successes  are 
found  among  peoples  of  different  characteristics,  under  diverse 
conditions,  and  with  much  variation  of  detail.  They  afford  ample 
ground  for  the  belief  that  the  weapons  of  Temperance  reformers, 
if  used  with  energy  and  conviction,  will  not  fail  them  in  the  task 
which  they  have  in  hand. 


CH.-\RLES  ROBERTS. 


House  of  Commons, 

London,  S.W. 


Contents 


Advertisement  ...  ...  ii- 

Lines  by  John  Greenle.^f  Whittier  ...  ...  ...  iv 

Dedication  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  v. 

Lines  by  Thomas  Luke  Lynch  ...  ...  ...  ...  vi. 

Preface  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  vii. 

Introduction  by  Mr.  Charles  H.  Roberts,  M.P.  ...  ix. 
List  of  Illustrations  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  xv. 

Quotation  : Rosalind,  Countess  of  Carlisle  ...  ...  xvi. 


Part  L Introductory 


Chapter  I. 

The  Struggle  for  Sobriety  ...  ...  ...  ...  3 

Chapter  II. 

The  Principle  of  Prohibition  ...  ...  ...  ...  7 

Chapter  III. 

International  Temperance  Organisations  ...  ...  ii 

Chapter  IV. 

International  Work  Among  the  Young  ...  ...  ...  15 

Chapter  V. 

Prohibition  Appeal  to  all  Nations  ...  ...  ...  19 


Xil. 


Part  1 1 . Europe 


Chapter  I. 

“ The  Mother  of  Parliaments  ” ... 


Chapter  II. 


The  British  Isles 


Chapter  MI. 

Denmark  and  its  Dependencies 


Norway 


Sweden 


European  Russia 


The  German  Empire 


Austria-Hungary 


Poland 


Chapter  IV, 

Chapter  V. 

Chapter  VI. 

Chapter  VII. 

Chapter  VIII. 

Chapter  IX. 


Chapter  X. 

The  Netherlands,  Belgium,  and  1'rance  ... 


Chapter  XI. 


Spain  and  Portugal 


27 


41 


53 


94 


10: 


1 10 


Chapter  XII. 

Switzerland,  Italy,  .\nd  Monico  ... 

Chapter  XIII. 

The  Balkan  States,  Montenegro,  Roumanta,  and  Greece 


12: 


139 


xin. 


Part  III.  Asia 

Chapter  I. 

Arabia,  Palestine,  Persia,  Syria,  and  Turkey  ... 

...  147 

Chapter  11. 

China 

...  152 

Chapter  111. 

India 

161 

Chapter  IV. 

Ceylon 

...  171 

Chapter  V. 

Burma,  Cochin  China,  Siam,  and  Tibet 

...  179 

Chapter  VI. 

Japan,  Korea,  and  Siberia  ... 

...  187 

Chapter  Vll. 

Hong  Kong,  Phillippine  Islands,  the  Straits  Settlements, 

.AND  THE  Federated  Malay  States  ... 

...  195 

Part  IV.  Africa 

Chapter  I. 

The  Brussels  General  Act  and  Prohibition 

...  203 

Chapter  11. 

North  Africa 

209 

Chapter  111. 

East  and  Central  Africa 

...  215 

Chapter  IV. 

West  Africa 

...  223 

Chapter  V. 

Union  of  South  Africa 

...  234 

Chapter  VI. 

Coloured  People  and  the  Liquor  Traffic 

242 

XIV. 


Part  V.  America 


Chapter  I. 

British  North  America 

...  251 

Chapter  li. 

The  Maritime  Provinces 

257 

Chapter  III. 

N.W.  Provinces  and  Newfoundland 

...  263 

Chapter  IV. 

United  States  of  America  ... 

...  267 

Chapter  V. 

New  England  States  ... 

275 

Chapter  VI. 

Eastern  States 

...  279 

Chapter  VII. 

Middi.e  States 

...  283 

Chapter  VIII. 

Southern  States' 

...  287 

Chapter  IX. 

Western  States 

...  291 

Chapter  X. 

Mexico,  Central  America,  and  the  West  Indies 

...  295 

Chapter  XI. 

South  America 

...  299 

Part  VI.  Australasia 

Chapter  I. 

The  Commonwealth  of  Australia 

...  307 

Chapter  II. 

The  Australi.an  States 

...  311 

Chapter  III. 

Papua  and  the  Pacific  Islands 

•••  317 

Chapter  IV. 

The  Dominion  of  New  Zealand 

323 

Index 

•••  331 

List  of  Illustrations 


Portrait  of  the  Author  ...  ...  ...  Frontispiece. 

New  Zealand's  Example  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  2 

Liquor  Map  of  Europe  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  26 

Samlag  Map  of  Norway  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  52 

Bolag  Map  of  Sweden  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  62 

Temperance  Map  of  Asia  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  146 

Prohibition  Map  of  Africa  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  202 

Prohibition  and  Local  Option  Map  of  North  America  250 
Local  Option  Map  OF  Australasia  ...  ...  ...  ...  306 


EDITIONS  PRINTED 

First  Edition  ...  ...  ...  ...  September,  1913 

American  Edition  ...  ...  ...  ...  January,  1914 

Second  Edition  ...  ...  ...  ...  February,  1914 


“What  is  the  main  thing  we  are  fighting  for? 
The  power  of  the  people  to  break  the  power  of 
the  liquor  traffic  in  their  midst.  What  does 
that  spell  ? Prohibition  ! I am  not  afraid  of 
the  word.  We  should  use  it  as  often  as  we 
can  until  the  world  becomes  familiar  with  it 
and  learns  its  true  meaning.  . . . Day  after 

day  I have  seen  how  in  the  early  morning  hours 
the  darkness  is  greatest  before  the  dawn.  Then 
as  I watch  in  the  silent  grey  of  the  chilly 
morning,  suddenly,  with  a great  leap,  the  sun 
flashes  forth  in  exultation,  flinging  flaming  gold 
all  over  the  heavens,  so  that  the  whole  world 
seems  to  break  in  joy  that  light  has  triumphed 
over  darkness.” 


— Rosalind,  Countess  of  Carlisle  (1906). 


PART  I 

INTRODUCTORY 


B 


NEW  ZEALAND'S  EXAMPLE. 


! 


THE  SHADES:  “Had  we 
done  thus,  perchance 
oar  Nations  had  not 
died.*’ 


This  illustration  was  published  by  The  Patriot,  New 
Zealand,  during-  the  great  Contest  in  1911,  when  255,919  voted 
for  National  Prohibition  and  202,623  voted  against,  showing  a 
clear  Majority  of  53,296  against  the  Liquor  Traffic. 


CHAPTER  I 


The  Struggle  for  Sobriety 

“ Alcohol,  judged  by  experience  and  known  by  its  fruits,  must  be  con- 
demned as  food.  In  all  climates,  temperate,  torrid  or  arctic — in  all  depart- 
ments of  labour,  civil,  naval  or  military,  in  mine,  field,  workshop  or  study — 
it  has  been  found  productive  of  weakness,  of  increased  sickness,  and  of 
excessive  mortality.  Alcohol  cannot  nourish  because  it  does  not  contain  the 
matter  of  the  body  to  assimilate  to  it  ; it  cannot  warm,  but,  on  the  contrary, 
narcotises  and  chills  ; and  it  antagonises  the  known  ends  and  qualities  of 
drink  : nor  does  alcohol  aid  digestion.  The  vulgar  estimates  of  the  value 
of  wines  and  beers  as  diet  are  extravagant  and  untrue." 

Dr.  F.  R.  Lees  ( 1871 ). 


On  every  page  of  the  great  volume  of  the  past  the  student 
may  find  traces  of  the  evils  arising  from  the  use  of  intoxicating 
liquors  and  the  beneficial  influence  and  power  resultant  upon  the 
practice  of  total  abstinence.  Large  numbers  of  people,  like  the 
Nazarites  and  Rechabites,  the  Brahmins,  Buddhists  and  Moham- 
medans, have  practised  total  abstinence  from  intoxicants  and 
have  reaped  a rich  and  blessed  harvest.  We  have  full  experience 
coming  down  to  us  through  the  ages,  that  intoxicants  are  not 
only  harmful  but  degrading  and  destructive  and  that  total  absti- 
nence is  self-protective,  beneficial  and  elevating. 

Plutarch  declares  upon  the  authority  of  Eudoxus  that  “ wine 
was  wholly  forbidden  to  the  Kings  of  Egypt.”  The  chief  priests 
were  also  required  to  abstain  at  all  times  from  the  use  of  strong 
drink.  Herodotus  tells  us  that  ” The  early  Persians  were 
strangers  to  the  taste  of  wine,  they  drank  water  only.” 
Lycurgus,  the  Spartan  law-giver  had  the  vineyards  destroyed  to 
prevent  the  making  of  wine.  Laws  of  the  great  Roman  Empire 
prohibited  women  from  ev'er  drinking  intoxicating  liquors, 
and  similarly  prohibited,  except  at  festivals,  all  men  under 
thirty  years  of  age.  The  empire  of  China,  i,ioo  B.C., 
at  a solemn  assembly  of  the  States  ‘‘  Forbad  the  use  of 
wine,  as  that  proves  the  cause  of  almost  all  the  evils 
which  happen  on  earth.”  It  was  also  decreed  that  all  the  vines 
should  be  uprooted  to  prevent  the  making  of  wine  and  effectually 
to  remove  the  curse  from  the  country.  From  those  early  times 
to  the  present  day  grape  wine  has  therefore  never  been  reintro- 


4 


duced  into  China.  Japanese  were  enjoined  “not  to  drink  strong- 
drink.”  The  Catechism  of  the  Shaman,  or  the  Laws  and  Regula- 
tions of  the  Priesthood  of  Buddha,  contains  the  following  : “This 

law  commands  us  not  to  drink  any  intoxicating  liquors 

Thou  shalt  not  bring  it  to  thy  nose  to  smell  it,  nor  shalt  thou  sit 
in  a tavern,  or  together  with  people  who  drink  spirits.  ” Buddha’s 
fifth  rule  of  life  declares,  “ Obey  the  law  and  walk  steadily  in  the 
path  of  purity  and  drink  not  liquors  that  intoxicate  or  disturb  the 
reason.”  Mohamet  also  prohibited  the  use  of  wine  under  any 
circumstances  and  enforced  this  law  with  all  the  power  at  his 
command.  The  following  appears  in  the  fifth  chapter  of  the 
Koran,  the  Prophet’s  book  to  his  followers  : — “ Oh,  true 
believers,  surely  wine  and  lots,  and  images  and  divining  arrows 
are  an  abomination  of  the  works  of  Satan,  therefore  avoid  them 
that  you  may  prosper.”  Professor  Max  Muller  has  said  “What 
Confucius  was  for  the  Chinese,  Zoroaster  for  the  Persians,  Pytha- 
goras and  the  Seven  Sages  for  the  Greeks,  Moses  for  the 
Hebrews,  Mohamet  was  for  the  Arabians.”  .Above  all,  these 
prophets,  sages  and  legislators,  were  total  abstainers  from  the 
use  of  intoxicating  liquors  and  they  enjoined  this  principle  upon 
their  followers,  who  may  to-day  be  counted  by  the  hundreds 
of  millions,  in  many  parts  of  the  world,  still  true  to  the 
foundation  principle  upon  which  their  separate  faiths  were 
established. 

From  the  days  of  St.  Paul,  through  those  of  St. 
Augustine,  St.  Francis  of  Assisi,  to  Martin  Luther  and  John 
Wesley,  Temperance  has  been  a leading  characteristic,  and 
the  drunkenness  of  the  people  has  called  forth  the  strongest 
denunciations  of  these  reformers.  Martin  Luther  declared  : 
“ The  man  who  first  brewed  beer  was  a pest  for  Germany.  . . 
I have  prayed  to  God  that  He  might  destroy  the  whole  beer- 
brewing business,  and  the  first  beer-brewer  I have  often  cursed.” 
Swedenborg  declared:  “Total  .Abstinence  from  intoxicating 
liquors  is  more  desirable  for  the  country’s  welfare,  and  morality, 
than  all  the  revenue  to  be  derived  from  licensing  the  manufacture 
and  sale  of  so  pernicious  a drink.”  While  John  Wesley  declared 
the  liquor  sellers  to  be  “ poisoners  general,”  and  stated:  “ It 
is  amazing  that  the  preparing  or  selling  of  these  poisons  should 
be  permitted,  I will  not  say  in  any  Christian  country,  but  in  any 
civilised  state.” 

During  the  nineteenth  century  the  principle  of  total  absti- 
nence was  greatly  extended  among  all  classes  of  people  and  it  is 
o-ratifying  to  be  able  to  record  the  fact  that  the  principle  is  being 
recognised  more  and  more  as  the  safest  and  best  course  of  life 


5 


for  every  individual.  The  training  of  the  young  in  total  absti- 
nence principles — first  undertaken  and  still  continued  by  voluntary 
organisations,  has  been  greatly  strengthened  and  extended  by  a 
study  of  the  ill  effects  of  alcohol  upon  the  human  system.  This 
study  is  now  incorporated  in  the  public  educational  systems  of 
many  European  countries,  the  British  Empire  and  the  United 
States  of  America.  The  medical  profession  has  been  very  active 
in  recent  years  in  its  propaganda  against  the  habitual  use  of  in- 
toxicants and  some  remarkable  experiments  and  statements  have 
been  made  by  leading  scientific  men  and  women  throughout  the 
world.  The  heads  of  large  industrial  concerns  and  labour  leaders 
are  eager  to  secure  sober  workmen,  not  only  in  the  interest  of  the 
workers  individually  but  for  the  general  advancement  of  industry 
and  the  national  well-being.  In  the  social,  political  and  religious 
life  of  the  people,  investigator  after  investigator  declares  that  in- 
toxicants are  a hindrance  to  all  advancement,  while  total  absti- 
nence is  recognised  as  a sure  sign  of  progress  and  stability.  To- 
day, Kings  and  Queens,  Emperors  and  Empresses,  Princes  and 
Princesses,  Presidents  and  their  wives,  together  with  scientific, 
political,  religious  and  other  national  leaders  have  adopted  this 
principle  of  life,  and  have  derived  an  enormous  advantage  there- 
from. Hence  it  is  not  too  much  to  claim,  that  so  far  as  the 
individual  is  concerned,  the  victory  is  won.  The  question  which 
now  confronts  the  nations  of  the  world  is  the  warfare  against 
Alcoholism  and  all  that  this  word  means.  The  fight  is  taking 
more  definite  shape  every  day,  and  as  the  people  become  alive  to 
the  evils,  so  they  will  determine  that  all  articles  which  science 
and  experience  prove  to  be  degrading  and  destructive  must  and 
shall  be  prohibited. 

For  centuries  the  most  enlightened  nations  have  recognised 
that  the  liquor  traffic  could  not  be  permitted  to  have  a free 
course;  the  freedom  of  Trade,  so  much  prized  by  manufacturer 
and  worker,  has  been  found  absolutely  impossible  In  connection 
with  Alcohol,  Opium  and  other  intoxicants.  In  some  countries 
this  interference  has  gone  no  further  than  a tax  placed  upon  the 
manufacture,  importation  and  sale  of  these  articles.  But  in  a 
greater  number  of  countries  the  licence  system  has  been  intro- 
duced with  a view  to  limiting  the  number  of  those  engaged 
in  the  traffic  and  bringing  the  acknowledged  evils  flowing 
therefrom  within  a measurable  proportion  of  control.  The 
restriction  and  the  remarkably  low  cost  of  production  have 
made  the  traffic  an  easy  prey  for  Governmental  taxation,  and 
enormous  sums  have  been  raised  from  this  source  by  practically 
every  nation  throughout  the  world. 


6 


Many  nations  are  awakening  to  the  fact  that  when  the  evils 
resulting  from  intoxicants  are  considered  and  the  huge  cost  of 
maintaining  its  victims  is  taken  into  account — vast  as  the  sums 
are  that  are  received  as  revenue  for  permitting  the  manufacture, 
importation  and  sale  of  these  articles — it  is  too  dear  a price  to 
pay  for  so  dangerous  a traffic.  All  kinds  of  legislative  experi- 
ments are  being  tried,  covering  increased  taxation,  both  of  the 
article  and  the  licence ; increased  punishment  to  the  victim  and 
to  the  victim-creator ; more  care  over  the  conditions  under  which 
intoxicants  can  be  sold  ; the  elimination  of  private  interest ; and 
the  substitution  of  company,  municipal  or  national  ownership, 
but  in  every  case  the  evils  remain.  The  fact  that  the  evil  lies  in 
the  intoxicant  itself  is  overlooked  by  these  reformers. 

The  only  true  and  effective  remedy  is  in  the  Prohibition  of 
the  manufacture,  importation  and  sale  of  all  intoxicants  for 
beverage  purposes,  and  it  is  gratifying  to  know  that  this  principle 
is  being  more  and  more  adopted  in  many  parts  of  the  world. 
Owners  of  land  and  house  property  have  long  since  had  the 
power,  which  many  of  them  have  used,  to  prohibit  the 
opening  of  liquor-shops,  opium  dens  and  the  like  upon 
their  estates.  The  people  in  several  countries  have  secured  the 
right  similarly  to  protect  their  homes  and  districts  from  the 
terrible  evils  arising  from  these  pests  of  society.  A few  countries 
have  adopted  a more  drastic  method  for  dealing  with  such  evils, 
and  by  entire  Prohibition  have  secured  enormous  advantages 
to  all  concerned.  Year  by  year  remarkable  progress  in  this 
direction  is  being  recorded. 

“ The  years  have  never  dropped  their  sand 
On  mortal  issue  vast  and  grand 
As  ours  to-day.” 


CHAPTER  II 


The  Principle  of  Prohibition 

“ Virtue  must  come  from  within  ; to  this  problem  religion  and  morality 
must  direct  themselves.  But  vice  may  come  from  without ; to  hinder  this 
is  the  care  of  the  statesman.” — Professor  F.  W.  Newman  ( 1870). 


Constitutional  Prohibition  is  defined,  in  its  usually  accepted 
sense,  as  “ the  forbidding  by  legislative  enactment  of  the  manu- 
facture and  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  for  use  as  beverages.”  It 
is  of  primary  importance  to  bear  in  mind  that  this  Prohibition 
deals  with  the  traffic  in  liquors;  that  is,  with  the  act  of  barter 
and  sale,  and  not  directly  with  any  personal  liberty  which  may 
be  involved  in  the  individual  act  of  drinking  under  lawful 
conditions. 

The  idea  of  Prohibition  is  not  a new  one.  ‘‘  Thou  shalt  not 
kill,”  ” Thou  shalt  not  steal,”  ‘‘Thou  shalt  not  bear  false 
witness,”  and  many  other  prohibitions  have  come  down  to  us 
from  the  earliest  historical  times.  These  protective  principles 
have  been  engrafted  upon  the  laws  of  every  civilised  community, 
and  it  is  impossible  to  imagine  what  the  world  of  to-day  would 
be  without  them.  Modern  civilisation  has  added  many  other 
prohibitions  in  the  interest  of  our  common  humanity.  The  legal 
prohibition  of  anything  harmful  is  solely  on  the  ground  of  its 
evil  effect  upon  society. 

Polygamy,  once  recognised  as  lawful,  and  even  considered 
by  some  as  necessary,  is  now  prohibited  by  nearly  all  the  great 
nations,  because  of  its  proved  injustice  and  evil  consequences  ; 
so  that  womanhood  to-day  enjoys  emancipation  from  the  tyranny 
and  brutality  of  past  ages. 

The  brigands  of  Italy  once  regularly  collected  tolls  from  the 
workers,  the  tradesmen,  the  merchants,  and  others,  sharing  the 
proceeds  with  the  Government.  This  is  now  prohibited,  and  one 
of  the  fairest  countries  of  Europe  is  free  from  an  intolerable 
bondage. 

Highwaymen,  murdering  innocent  victims  for  gain,  are 
fast  disappearing  from  the  highways  of  the  world,  because  of 
the  prohibition  adopted  by  every  civilised  nation. 


s 


The  traffic  in  human  flesh  and  blood  was  once  legalised, 
Governments  receiving  large  sums  of  money  from  this  inhuman 
barter.  To-day  Slavery  is  prohibited  by  all  the  great  races  and 
freedom  proclaimed  to  all  people,  irrespective  of  colour,  race,  or 
nation. 

Prohibition  as  a principle,  therefore,  refers  not  only  to  the 
alcoholic  liquor  traffic,  but  to  many  other  things  (such  as  opium) 
which  though  widely  spread,  are  evil  in  themselves,  or  in  their 
results  destructive  to  the  best  interests  of  mankind. 

It  must  be  ever  remembered  that  men  and  women  living  in 
a civilised  state  of  society,  and  enjoying  its  benefits  and  advan- 
tages, must  pay  for  it  by  a surrender  of  many  of  their  pre- 
dilections, for  the  welfare  of  the  whole. 

The  Bill  of  Rights  of  Great  Britain  declares  that  “Govern- 
ment is  constituted  for  the  protection,  safety,  prosperity  and 
happiness  of  the  people,  and  not  for  the  profit  of  private  interests 
of  any  one  man,  family,  or  class  of  men.”  Various  other 
countries  have  declared  in  similar  terms. 

The  traffic  in  alcoholic  liquors  is  permitted  to-day  to 
comparatively  few  persons,  every  one  of  whom  is  protected  by 
law,  largely  because  of  the  great  sums  of  money  which  are  paid 
into  the  various  Governments ; money  largely  wrung  from  the 
most  degraded  and  dangerous  portions  of  the  community. 

The  evils  resultant  upon  the  sale  of  this  dangerous  poison 
are  not  vague  or  unknown ; they  are  wide-spread  and  fully  estab- 
lished. The  sober  are  made  drunken,  while  crime,  pauperism, 
insanity,  suicide,  murder,  premature  death,  and  incalculable 
economic  waste,  ever  follow  in  its  train. 

Prohibition  is  based  on  the  physiological  fact  that  the 
habitual  use  of  alcoholic  beverages  is  injurious  to  the  human 
race,  and  the  sociological  fact  that  the  traffic  in  intoxicating 
beverages  is  at  war  with  the  public  good.  The  aim  of  Pro- 
hibition is  permanently  to  outlaw  so  pernicious  an  evil  by  Con- 
stitutional means. 

It  is  therefore  held  that  the  harmful  manufacture,  importa- 
tion and  sale  of  all  intoxicants  should  be  prohibited  by  all 
countries,  working  co-operatively  to  this  common  end,  because 
of  the  proved  evil  results  both  upon  the  individual  and  the  State. 

Prohibition  has  the  strongest  economic  and  moral  argu- 
ments and  the  weight  of  logic  on  its  side,  but  its  greatest  claim 
on  the  suffrage  of  the  citizen  is  its  recognition  of  the  supreme 
value  of  human  life  to  the  State. 


9 


'Hie  duty  of  good  citizens  in  every  country  is  to  see  that  no 
evil  is  permitted  to  continue  which  undermines  the  home,  makes 
void  the  work  of  educational  forces,  and  invariably  militates 
against  the  physical  and  moral  well-being  and  industrial  pros- 
perity of  the  people.  Such  an  evil  effect  the  liquor  traffic  is 
widely  admitted  to  produce,  and  the  duty  of  every  patriot  is  to 
use  his  influence  and  citizenship  to  apply  the  final  and  complete 
remedy,  viz.  : National  and  International  Prohibition. 

Why  are  such  severe  repressive  measures  throughout  the 
world  proposed  against  the  traffic  in  alcoholic  drinks? 

An  adequate  answer  may  be  found  in  three  authoritative 
statements  : — (i)  That  the  proved  evil  effects  of  the  drink  traffic 
in  all  lands  where  it  exists  are  of  exceptional  magnitude  and 
gravity.  (2)  That  these  evil  effects  are  practically  inseparable 
from  the  traffic.  (3)  That  these  evil  effects  are  by  no  means 
confined  to  those  who  participate  in  the  traffic,  either  as  buyers 
or  sellers  of  drink,  but  extend,  in  a serious  degree,  to  society 
in  general. 

Dr.  F.  R.  Lees,  dealing  with  the  question  “ Is  Prohibition 
Right?  ” says  : — 

“ If  the  traffic  in  drink,  or  any  other  thing  tends  by  law  to 
“ evil,  then  it  is  right  to  suppress  it.  If  the  body-politic  be 
“ diseased,  it  must  be  cured,  and  it  can  be  cured  only  by  the 
“ removal  of  its  essential  cause.  In  fact,  man’s  own  existence — 
“ the  very  justification  of  his  being  is,  that  he  shall  resist  evil, 
“and  overcome  defect  by  knowledge  and  thought.  If  not, 

“ evil  will  destroy  him.  Prohibition  in  himself — and  Prohibition 
“ in  union  with  others — is  his  only  essential  right.  It  is  but 
“ another  name  for  self-defence  ! and  if  a worm,  a dog,  or  a cat, 

“ or  even  a leaf,  exercises  this  right,  how  insane  it  must  be  to 
“ deny  the  right  to  man,  the  head  and  crown  of  things  ! ’’ 

In  the  preceding  argument  the  endeavour  has  been  to 
develope  the  following  points: — (i)  That  Prohibition  is  an 
established  legal  right  of  the  State,  and  as  such,  has  been  upheld 
repeatedly  for  centuries  by  the  Sovereigns  or  Courts  of  Justice 
of  various  countries.  (2)  That  it  is  in  harmony  with  those  views 
of  Government  upon  which  social  philosophers  of  all  schools  of 
thought  are  generally  agreed.  (3)  That  its  purpose  is  not 
primarily  to  reform  the  moral  conduct  of  the  individual,  but  to 
relieve  society  of  the  burdens  and  dangers  imposed  upon  it  by 
drink,  and  thus  indirectly,  but  nevertheless  effectively,  to  accom- 
plish a moral  reformation.  (The  International  Prohibition 
Confederation  regards  with  sympathy  every  effort  put  forth  from 
any  quarter  for  the  genuine  advancement  of  the  general  cause 


10 


of  Temperance  and  Total  Abstinence).  (4)  That  the  traffic  In 
drink  is  attended  by  evils  of  exceptional  gravity,  which  are  in- 
separable from  it,  and  which  are  in  no  wise  limited  to  those  who 
participate  in  the  traffic.  (5)  That  these  evil  effects  are  of  three 
kinds  : (a)  moral  evils,  including  a probable  average  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  criminal  offences  throughout  those  countries  of  the 
world  where  intoxicating  drinks  are  generally  used,  and  the  loss 
of  hundreds  of  thousands  of  lives  each  year;  (b)  economic  evils, 
aggregating  a wastage  of  almost  incalculable  millions  in  money 
each  year;  (c)  political  evils,  having  a vital  bearing  on  the  most 
important  civic  problems  of  the  day.  (6)  That  the  questionable 
pleasures  and  profits  conferred  upon  the  few  by  the  traffic  are  in 
striking  disproportion  to  the  evils  it  inflicts  upon  the  many. 

Therefore  it  is  well  to  repeat  that  the  Constitutional  Prohibi- 
tion of  such  a system  as  the  alcoholic  liquor  traffic  is  proposed 
solely  on  the  ground  of  its  evil  effects  upon  society. 


CHAPTER  111 


International  Temperance  Organisation 

“ We  are  living  in  an  age  of  altruism,  the  greatest  word  in  our  vocabulary 
to-day  is  ‘ Brotherhood  ! ' It  is  reaching  out  toward  the  common  good  of 
all  men.  We  are  learning  that  every  man  is  his  brother’s  brother.  That 
manhood  is  more  worth  than  money  : that  the  greatest  wealth  of  a nation 
consists,  not  in  material  things,  but  in  a clean,  noble  and  efficient  citizen- 
ship, and  that  Government  should  give  its  protection  to  no  traffic  that 
injures  or  destoys  its  citizens.” — IT.  A.  Brubaker,  U.S.A.  ( 1913 ). 


The  rise  and  progress  of  the  modern  Temperance  movement 
is  one  of  the  marvels  of  a wonderful  century.  Commenced  in 
the  dawn  of  the  nineteenth  century  by  humble  working  people, 
it  has  developed  into  one  of  the  greatest  agencies  for  the  uplift 
of  humanity  and  the  progress  of  nations.  The  theories  of  the 
scientific  world  have  been  altered  and  made  to  harmonise  more 
with  the  facts,  while  the  ideas  of  religious,  moral  and  political 
thinkers  have  been  greatly  changed  for  the  better,  through  its 
instrumentality.  From  the  small  village  or  town  society  for  the 
reclamation  of  the  drunkard,  the  Temperance  movement  has 
become  an  international  educator  of  the  races. 

The  catholicity  of  the  Temperance  movement  is  remarkable. 
It  links  together  in  a fraternal  bond  of  union,  people  of  every 
nation,  irrespective  of  colour,  education,  politics  or  religion, 
and  through  the  agencies  of  these  bodies,  the  peoples  of  the  earth 
are  being  linked  together  not  only  to  drive  the  means  of  intoxi- 
cation from  the  commerce  of  the  world,  but  to  secure  peace  and 
goodwill  among  nations. 

At  one  time,  and  that  time  not  so  far  distant,  inter- 
nationalism was  a word  of  terror,  not  only  to  monarchs  and 
governments,  but  to  huge  bodies  of  people  in  every  nation.  It 
was  a word  which  spoke  of  revolution,  the  destruction  of  existing 
authority,  and  the  creation  of  other  forms  of  government  in 
keeping  with  the  education  and  advancement  of  the  age.  In 
the  very  near  past,  the  visit  of  men  and  women  from  one  country 
to  another  for  the  holding  of  international  gatherings  to  discuss 
subjects  of  national  and  international  importance,  was  looked 
upon  as  brooding  ill  for  the  peace  of  Europe,  and  was  watched 
with  the  keenest  scrutiny  by  detectives  from  the  various  Govern- 
ments, who  dogged  the  foot.steps  of  each  delegate  and  spied 


12 


upon  their  proceedings  to  ascertain  the  objects  and  plans  aimed 
at. 

Whilst  there  may  have  been  some  cause  for  uneasiness,  or 
even  fear,  in  the  political  and  revolutionary  character  of  the  old 
Internationalism,  many  of  whose  leaders  felt  it  was  only  by  the 
bomb,  or  the  sword,  that  their  wrongs  could  be  redressed  and 
liberty  secured,  the  newer  Internationalism,  embracing  Tem- 
perance and  Prohibition,  is  based  upon  an  altogether  different 
ideal  and  principle.  It  means  the  salvation  of  the  people  from 
the  most  terrible  self-inflicted  evils  of  intoxication.  It  means 
the  closer  knitting  together  of  the  nations  in  a more  real  brother- 
hood of  man,  and  by  the  abolition  of  breweries,  distilleries, 
liquor  shops,  opium  dens,  and  the  like,  the  bringing 
into  being,  not  only  between  man  and  man,  but  between  nation 
and  nation,  of  the  great  principle  of  “ doing  unto  others  as  you 
would  have  them  do  to  you.” 

Among  the  many  agencies  in  this  silent  and  wonderful 
revolution  against  intoxicants  has  been  the  International  Tem- 
perance Congresses  held  from  time  to  time — London  1846,  New 
York,  1853,  London  1862,  Hanover  1863,  Philadelphia  1876, 
Paris,  1878,  Brussels  1880,  London  1882,  Melbourne  1888, 
Chicago  1893,  Newcastle-on-Tyne  1897,  and  London  1900.  In 
1885,  largely  through  the  instrumentality  of  Miss  Charlotte 
Gray  (the  Good  Templars’  Continental  Missionary),  the  Inter- 
national Congresses  on  Alcoholism  were  commenced  at  Antwerp, 
and  large  and  important  gatherings,  under  Royal  and  Govern- 
mental patronage,  have  since  been  held  at  Zurich  1887,  Chris- 
tiania 1890,  The  Hague  1893,  Basle  1895,  Brussels  1897,  Paris 
1899,  Vienna  1901,  Bremen  1903,  Budapest  1905,  Stockholm 
1907,  London  1909,  Scheveningen  1911,  and  now  Milan  1913. 
It  is  impossible  to  gauge  the  enormous  good  done  by  all  these 
gatherings,  but  without  doubt  the  greatest  help  to  the  inter- 
national extension  of  the  movement  has  resulted  from  the  forma- 
tion of  the  International  Order  of  Good  Templars,  the  World’s 
Womens  Christian  Temperance  Lnion,  and  the  International 
Prohibition  Confederation. 

For  several  decades  the  Good  Templar  Order  was  simply  an 
Anglo-Saxon  organisation.  Established  in  LTica,  in  the  State 
of  New  York,  in  1851,  it  spread  through  the  United  States  and 
Canada.  In  1867  Mr.  Joseph  Malins  joined  the  Order  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  upon  returning  to  England  in  1868,  opened  the  first 
Lodge  at  Birmingham.  Largely  through  the  great  organising 
ability  of  Mr.  Malins,  the  movement  spread  with  remarkable 
rapidity  throughout  the  British  Isles,  the  oversea  colonies  and 
dependencies  of  Australia,  New  Zealand,  South  Africa  and 


13 


India,  China,  Japan  and  the  Continent  of  Europe.  The  Order  is 
now  firmly  established  in  Norway,  Sweden,  Finland,  Iceland, 
Denmark,  Germany,  France,  Switzerland,  Roumania,  and 
almost  every  other  country,  thus  making-  it  a truly  international 
organisation.  With  more  than  12,000  branches  and  an  aggre- 
gate of  some  three-quarters  of  a million  of  members.  The  ex- 
tension of  the  principles  of  Total  Abstinence  and  Prohibition  by 
means  of  this  agency  is  both  powerful  and  certain. 

Like  the  Good  Templars,  the  World’s  Women’s  Christian 
Temperance  Union  was  for  a number  of  years  almost  exclusively 
an  American  and  English  organisation.  The  first  Union  of 
Temperance  Women  was  formed  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  in  1874, 
and  the  second  at  Newcastle-on-Tyne  in  1876.  Then  followed 
the  establishment  of  similar  Unions  in  Canada,  and  other  parts 
of  the  United  States.  In  1884  the  National  Union  of  the  United 
States  decided  to  send  Mrs.  Leavett  on  a mission  round  the 
world  to  form  Women’s  Temperance  Unions  in  every  land. 
Remarkable  success  followed  Mrs.  Leavett ’s  labours.  Unions 
being  formed  in  New  Zealand  1885,  Australia  1886,  Japan  and 
China  1887,  Ceylon,  Mauritius  and  Madagascar  1888,  South 
Africa,  the  Congo,  etc.,  i88g,  and  Egypt  and  Palestine  i8go. 
In  1880  and  following  years,  by  the  aid  of  Miss  Gray  (the  Good 
Templars’  Continental  Missionary),  Women’s  Unions  were 
established  in  Norway,  Sweden,  Denmark,  and  other  Conti- 
nental countries.  In  i8gi  the  first  World’s  Women’s  Temper- 
ance Convention  was  held  at  Boston,  Mass.,  U.S.A.,  at  which  it 
was  reported  that  Unions  had  then  been  established  in  nearly 
thirty  countries,  with  an  estimated  aggregate  membership  of 
about  200,000.  To-day,  largely  through  the  persistent  work  of 
the  various  W.W.C.T.U.  missionaries,  the  Women’s  Temper- 
ance Movement  is  represented  in  forty  countries,  and  has  an 
estimated  aggregate  membership  of  about  450,000. 

This  wonderful  movement  among  the  women  of  so  many 
nations  has  lifted  the  Temperance  cause  to  a position  it  never 
before  attained.  The  home  life  and  rising  generations  must  feel 
the  enormous  advantages  of  a sober  motherhood  and  sisterhood, 
and  this  eventually  must  greatly  assist  in  securing  the  prohi- 
bition of  the  manufacture,  importation  and  sale  of  all  intoxi- 
cants. 

With  a view  to  focussing  all  this  splendid  effort  for  Tem- 
perance into  a united  attack  upon  the  traffic  in  intoxicants,  Mr. 
E.  Page  Gaston,  F.R.G.S. , convened  a meeting  in  London  in 
igo8  to  consider  the  question  of  International  Prohibition.  It 
was  there  determined  to  hold  an  International  Prohibition  Con- 


14 


ference  in  connection  with  the  Anti-Alcoholic  Congress  that  was 
to  be  held  in  London  in  igog.  The  call  for  this  Conference  was 
signed  by  forty-nine  persons,  representing  organised  Temper- 
ance opinion  in  thirteen  countries.  At  this  gathering  it  was 
resolved  to  establish  the  International  Prohibition  Confedera- 
tion, an  organisation  which  has  now  become  a great  power  in 
linking  up  the  many  agencies  at  work  in  each  country,  and  in 
disseminating  facts  regarding  the  advance  in  each  country,  thus 
furthering  that  newer  Internationalism  for  the  brotherhood  of 
man  and  the  progress  of  the  world.  To-day  there  are  forty-three 
countries  officially  connected  with  the  International  Prohibition 
Confederation,  representing  an  estimated  aggregate  membership 
of  over  ten  million  men  and  women. 

The  Independent  Order  of  Rechabites,  a Temperance  Benefit 
Society,  is  fast  becoming  a great  world-wide  organisation. 
Established  at  Salford,  England,  in  1835,  with  less  than  a 
hundred  members,  it  has  grown  until  now  it  has  a membership 
of  nearly  1,000,000,  with  branches  in  England,  Scotland,  Ireland, 
Wales,  the  United  States,  Canada,  West  Indies,  India,  .A.us- 
tralia.  New  Zealand,  Africa,  Denmark,  and  Germany.  Under 
the  National  Insurance  Act  (recently  passed  into  law  By  the 
British  Parliament)  nearly  350,000  abstaining  men  and  women 
have  become  insured  in  this  Society.  The  funds  available  for 
sick,  funeral  and  other  benefits,  at  the  end  of  April,  igi2,  stood 
at  no  less  a sum  than  ;^5,i88,03g  ($25,g40,ig5).  The  Order  of 
the  Sons  of  Temperance  is  another  great  Benefit  Society,  but  at 
present  almost  entirely  an  Anglo-Saxon  organisation.  It  has 
about  500,000  members  spread  throughout  England,  Scotland, 
Ireland,  Wales,  the  United  States,  Canada,  and  other  countries. 
The  Band  of  Hope  and  Juvenile  Temperance  Movement  has  long 
been  truly  international,  and  many  millions  of  children,  in  almost 
every  land,  are  being  taught  to  abstain  from  the  use  of  alcohol 
and  all  other  intoxicants  and  narcotics.  The  grow-th  of  this 
modern  Temperance  Movement  is  really  wonderful,  and  the 
unity  and  zeal  displayed  by  every  section  are  warrant  for  .a 
much  greater  advance  in  the  near  future.  The  linking  together 
of  individuals,  societies,  and  nations,  for  such  a purpose,  must 
mean  victory  in  the  end.  The  driving  out  from  the  commerce 
of  the  world  as  articles  of  beverages,  all  these  harmful  drugs, 
will  be  a great  lever  for  the  lifting  of  the  whole  human  race  to  a 
much  higher  plain  of  civilisation  and  happiness. 


CHAPTER  IV 


International  Work  Among  the  Young 

“Teach  the  youth  of  to-day  the  truth  about  alcohol  and  kindred  drugs  ; 
teach  them  to  cherish  the  noblest  in  personal  and  national  life  ; teach  them 
to  keep  themselves  free  from  all  that  destroys  or  debases  the  highest 
capacities  with  which  we  are  endowed  ; teach  them  to  find  the  joy  of  life  in 
the  use  of  these  powers  rather  than  at  the  low  level  of  sense  gratification,  and 
by  so  much  is  national  life  enriched,  and  the  race  set  a long  way  on  its 
course  of  upward  progress.” — Miss  Cora  Frances  Stoddard, 

Scientific  Temperance  Federation,  Boston  ( 1909 ), 


Three  methods  of  attempting  to  interest  the  young  in  Total 
Abstinence  principles  have  been  adopted.  First,  Juvenile  Tem- 
perance Societies ; Second,  Temperance  teaching  in  the  Sunday 
Schools,  and  Third,  Scientific  Temperance  Instruction  in  the 
public  schools  respecting  the  action  of  alcohol  upon  the  human 
system.  In  reference  to  the  first,  it  was  Temperance  reform- 
ers alone  who  organised  on  behalf  of  the  children,  but  it  was 
done  with  a willingness  and  enthusiasm  beyond  all  praise.  This 
department  of  Temperance  enterprise  extended  to  many  lands, 
until  many  millions  of  young  people  were  enrolled  in  the  ranks  of 
the  total  abstainers.  In  the  next  place,  isolated  action  in  con- 
nection with  a Sunday  School  over  which  a total  abstainer  might 
be  the  superintendent,  gave  place  to  denominational  action  and 
the  formation  of  Sunday  School  Temperance  Organisations,  and 
this  was  followed  by  the  Association  having  charge  of  the  pre- 
paration of  the  International  Sunday  School  lessons,  deciding 
that  there  should  be  issued  every  quarter  a “Sunday  School 
Temperance  Lesson’’  for  use  in  all  the  Sunday  Schools  through- 
out the  world.  The  last  and  most  far-reaching  step  of  all  in  this 
effort  to  reach  the  young,  has  been  the  adoption  of  Scientific 
Temperance  Instruction  in  connection  with  a number  of  Govern- 
ment Educational  Authorities  in  various  parts  of  the  world.  The 
United  States  of  America,  the  British  Isles  and  Colonies,  and 
several  of  the  Continental  nations,  have  adopted  either  compul- 
sory or  voluntary  methods  of  teaching,  and  the  movement  is 
only  in  its  initial  stages  as  yet.  Thus  this  important  branch  of 
Temperance  education  is  being  brought  more  and  more  before 
the  children,  who  would  otherwise  grow  up  to  manhood  and 


16 


womanhood  without  the  slightest  conception  or  knowledge  of 
the  dangers  attending  the  drinking  of  alcoholic  liquors. 

The  World’s  Sunday  School  Temperance  Lesson  has  a very 
unique  history,  for  it  has  not  only  been  extensively  used  through- 
out the  world,  but  has  resulted  in  the  International  Sunday 
School  Association  adopting,  in  1907,  the  following  Temperance 
Pledge  for  all  lands  : — “ That  I may  live  my  best  service  to  God 
and  to  my  fellow  men,  I pledge  myself  and  promise  God  never 
to  use  intoxicating  liquors  as  a drink,  and  to  do  all  I can  to  end 
the  drink  habit,  and  the  liquor  traffic.”  The  Temperance  lesson 
is  translated  into  almost  every  known  language,  and  distributed 
to  the  editors  of  all  the  religious  papers  and  Sunday  School 
magazines  throughout  the  world.  With  thousands  of  the 
lessons  is  issued  much  useful  information  for  the  teachers,  to 
assist  them  in  the  preparation  for  laying  the  question  before  their 
classes.  Temperance  is  thus  brought,  not  only  before  the 
children,  but  to  the  minds  and  hearts  of  hundreds  of  thousands 
of  teachers,  who,  but  for  this  lesson,  might  never  have  heard  of 
the  Temperance  question.  The  following  is  the  special  instruc- 
tions issued  for  the  quarterly  lesson  of  November,  1910,  and 
shows  the  thoroughness  with  which  this  subject  is  handled  : — 
‘‘The  World’s  Sunday  School  Temperance  Lesson.”  Text: 
Matt.  xxiv.  32-51.  Golden  text  : ‘‘  Watch  and  pray  that  ye  enter 
not  into  temptation.”  (Matt.  xxvi.  41).  ‘‘  For  use  of  teachers  and 
workers  in  the  Sunday  School  who  desire  facts  as  to  the  great 
temptation  of  the  use  of  alcoholic  liquors  and  the  legalised  liquor 
traffic.”  Then  follows  a list  of  ‘‘Facts  Concerning  Alcohol,” 
by  Heinrich  Quen.sel.  These  facts  are  divided  as  follows  : — 

Mothers  Should  Know  : 

(i)  That  alcohol  retards  the  physical  and  mental  develop- 
ment of  children.  (2)  That  alcohol  leads  quickly  to  fatigue,  and 
causes  dulness  and  inattention  in  school.  (3)  That  alcohol  pro- 
motes disobedience  to  parents.  (4)  That  alcohol  causes  sleep- 
lessness and  nervousness.  (5)  That  alcohol  endangers  the 
moral  nature  of  the  child.  (6)  That  alcohol  weakens  the  resist- 
ance of  the  body  and  thus  favours  attacks  of  disease.  (7)  That 
alcohol  prolongs  the  duration  of  sickness.  (8)  That  every 
penny  spent  for  spirituous  drinks  would  be  used  far  better  for 
strengthening  food ; milk,  for  example.  (9)  That  the  greater 
part  of  all  mentally  diseased,  idiots  and  cripples  have  to  thank 
the  alcoholism  of  their  parents  and  grandparents  for  their  pitiable 
condition.  (10)  That  domestic  happiness  and  fidelity  in  marri- 
age are  endangered  and  often  undermined  and  destroyed 
through  alcoholism. 


17 


Teachers  Should  Know  : 

(i)  That  no  alcoholic  drink,  whether  beer,  wine  or  distilled 
liquor,  contains  any  nourishing'  or  strengthening  value  worth 
mentioning.  (2)  That  the  alcohol  contained  in  all  spirituous 
drinks  is  a poison  which  impairs  the  vital  processes  of  the  cells 
and  tissues  of  the  body  and  therefore  injures  the  health  of  the 
user  in  proportion  to  the  strength  and  amount.  (3)  That  alco- 
holic indulgence  causes  serious  acute  and  chronic  diseases  of  the 
vital  organs,  particularly  the  heart,  liver,  kidneys,  and  stomach. 

(4)  That  the  use  of  alcohol  makes  one  more  liable  to  contract 
infectious  diseases,  the  destructive  tuberculosis  and  syphilis. 

(5)  That  alcohol  in  every  form  and  amount  is  particularly  in- 
jurious to  children  because  of  their  growing  bodies,  and  is  to  be 
absolutely  withheld  from  them.  (6)  That  the  use  of  alcohol 
disturbs  mental  faculties  and  markedly  interferes  with  the  ability 
to  receive  mental  impression — the  child’s  ability  to  learn,  and 
therefore  (7)  Every  use  of  alcohol  by  the  child  influences  un- 
favourably the  results  of  instruction ; it  renders  the  pupil  dis- 
obedient and  refractory.  (8)  That  alcohol,  by  weakening  the 
higher  brain  centre  involved  in  reflection  and  self-control,  leaves 
the  way  open  for  the  expression  of  the  lower  impulses,  (g)  It 
is  self-evident  that  in  the  latter  conditions  the  moral  nature  of 
the  child  is  greatly  endangered.  (10)  The  teacher  must  there- 
fore be  well  convinced  that  an  energetic  campaign  against 
alcohol  would  open  the  way  for  a general  advance  in  culture  and 
health,  and,  therefore,  a practical  co-operation  of  the  whole 
teaching  fraternity  in  the  solution  of  the  alcohol  question  is 
from  every  standpoint  urgently  desirable. 

School  Children  Should  Know  : 

(i)  That  no  alcoholic  drink,  whether  beer,  wine,  brandy,  or 
any  other,  contains  any  nourishment  or  strengthening  value 
worth  ^ mentioning.  (2)  That  the  alcohol  contained  in  all 
alcoholic  drinks  is  a poison  which  disturbs  the  life  processes 
of  the  cells  and  tissues  and  is  therefore  injurious  to  the  health. 
(3)  That  the  use  of  alcohol  induces  serious  acute  and  chronic 
diseases  of  all  the  vital  organs,  particularly  the  stomach,  the 
kidneys,  the  liver,  the  heart  and  the  brain.  (4)  That  the  use 
of  alcohol  leads  to  mental  and  physical  fatigue.  (5)  That  the 
habitual  use  of  alcohol,  instead  of  quenching  thirst,  leads  ever 
to  a fresh  feeling  of  thirst.  (6)  That  whoever  wishes  to  be 
efficient  must  not  get  the  habit  of  using  alcohol,  which  leads 
easily  to  the  saloon.  (7)  That  the  sober  worker  usually  outstrips 
his  fellow  workmen  who  use  alcohol.  (8)  That  alcohol  intoxica- 
tion, by  disordering  the  mental  faculties,  leads  easily  to  unlaw- 
ful  conduct,  as  well  as  to  debauchery,  (g)  That  every  expendi- 
ture for  alcoholic  fjrinks  diminishes  the  meuns  for  attending- 


18 


institutions  of  learning  as  well  as  other  necessary  provisions  for 
education.  (lo)  That  efficiency  in  manufactures  and  other 
industries  is  impaired  by  alcohol,  as  is  the  power  to  compete  in 
the  markets  of  the  world. 

Working  Men  Should  Know  : 

(i)  That  whisky  possesses  no  nutritive  value  whatever  and 
therefore  can  afford  no  strength.  (2)  That  all  alcoholic  drinks, 
on  account  of  the  alcohol — poison — they  contain,  may  exert  a 
brief  temporary  feeling  of  warmth  and  excitability,  but  they  soon 
induce  sleepiness  and  lower  the  body  temperature.  (3)  That 
alcoholic  drinks,  on  account  of  the  same  poison,  weaken 
muscular  power,  steadiness  of  the  hands,  and  the  whole  mental 
and  physical  working  ability— make  one  slow  and  inattentive, 
and  diminish  the  power  of  self-preservation.  (4)  That  the  regular 
use  of  alcohol  increases  the  liability  to  all  kinds  of 
diseases  and  delays  recovery.  (5)  That  the  regular  use 
of  alcohol  particularly  favours  liability  to  consumption. 
(6)  That  the  regular  use  of  alcoholic  drinks  causes  an 
early  loss  of  working  ability.  (7)  That  “ Blue  Monday  ” is 
almost  without  exception  to  be  attributed  to  [Sunday]  indul- 
gence in  alcoholic  drinks.  (8)  That  nearly  half  of  the  accidents 
occurring  in  working  hours  are  caused  by  the  use  of  alcohol, 
(g)  That  the  regular  use  of  alcohol  draws  from  the  workman’s 
pocket  a large  amount  of  money  that  is  wasted  and  would  much 
better  be  spent  for  food  and  clothing  and  other  useful  things. 
(10)  That  the  regular  use  of  alcohol  greatly  endangers  health 
and  prosperity. 


CHAPTER  V 


Prohibition  Appeal  to  all  Nations 

“ The  sole  object  of  government  ought  to  be  the  greatest  happiness  ot 
the  greatest  number  of  the  community.  This  end  is  promoted  by  encour- 
aging  every  industry  and  institution  calculated  to  confer  benefit  ; and 
discouraging,  and  even  sternly  repressing,  those  of  a pernicious,  immoral, 
and  dangerous  character  ; in  a word,  by  such  wise  legislation  as  shall  tend 
to  promote  the  physical  health,  the  social  comfort,  and  the  intellectual 
enjoyments  of  the  people.” — Jereiyiy  Bentham  ( 1748-1832 ). 


At  the  second  biennial  conference  of  the  International  Pro- 
hibition Confederation,  held  in  connection  with  the  Thirteenth 
International  Congress  on  Alcoholism  at  Scheveningen,  The 
Hague,  Holland,  in  September,  1911,  and  attended  by  repre- 
sentatives from  about  one-half  of  the  nations  of  the  world,  it 
was  unanimously  resolved  to  send  to  every  ruling  Sovereign 
throughout  the  world,  a Memorial-Petition  in  favour  of  Pro- 
hibition, together  with  a copy  of  the  writer’s  report  on  “ The 
World’s  Fight  Against  Alcoholism,”  presented  to  the  Inter- 
national Supreme  Lodge  of  Good  Templars.  The  Memorial- 
Petition  is  probably  one  of  the  most  important  documents  ever 
issued  to  such  high  authorities,  and  the  replies  received  have 
been  most  encouraging.  The  Memorial-Petition  was  as 
follows  : — 

‘‘  Whereas  in  the  opinion  of  this  Conference,  the  revenue  derived 
” by  Governments  licensing  the  manufacture  of,  and  traffic  in, 
‘‘  alcoholic  liquors,  opium,  and  other  intoxicants,  equals  but  a 
‘‘  fraction  of  the  financial  waste  and  loss  directly  resulting  there- 
‘‘  from ; and 

‘‘  Whereas  in  the  opinion  of  eminent  jurists,  physicians,  scien- 
” tists  and  other  observers;  opinions  confirmed  by  official  re- 
‘‘  ports  and  statistics,  and  concurred  in  by  this  Conference,  the 
‘‘consumption  of  such  intoxicants  is  a direct  cause  and  the  most 
‘‘  prolific  source  of  lawlessness,  crime,  vice,  pauperism,  insanity 
‘‘  and  suicide,  and  resulting  in  a great  loss  of  life  and  property; 
‘‘  and 

Whereas  indulgence  in  such  intoxicants,  in  addition  to  inflict- 
‘‘ing  directly  and  indirectly  upon  the  community  an  almost  in- 
‘‘  calculable  financial  loss,  constantly  results  in  the  degradation 
‘‘  and  destruction  of  the  individual,  the  disintegration  of  the 


20 


“ family,  the  demoralisation  of  society  and  the  weakening  of 
“ the  State ; and 

“ Whereas  in  far-reaching  and  continuously  disastrous  effects, 

“ no  other  interest  and  custom  existing  among  civilised  nations 
“ is  productive  of  so  much  human  suffering  and  so  retards  pro- 
“ gress  and  prosperity;  and 

“Whereas  in  our  opinion  the  appalling  and  increasing  evils 
“ resulting  from  the  habitual  use  of  intoxicants  are  such  as,  in 
“the  interests  of  humanity  and  good  government  and  the  safety 
“of  the  State,  imperatively  demand  Governmental  considera- 
tion and  action;  therefore  be  it 

“ Resolved  that  this  Conference  hereby  most  respectfully  but 
“ urgently  requests  the  properly  constituted  authorities  in  every 
“ Nation  throughout  the  World  to  make  prompt  and  thorough 
“ investigation  by  competent  specialists  as  to  the  economical 
“ and  ethical  effects  resulting  from  the  use  of  alcoholic  and  other 
“ intoxicants,  including  fermented,  distilled  and  malt  liquors, 
“ opium,  et  cetera;  and  it  also  respectfully  requests  that  during 
“ such  investigation  public  evidence  be  taken,  and  that,  when 
“ the  collective  reports  giving  the  results  of  such  investigations 
“be  made,  they  be  fully  made  public;  and  if  the  ascertained 
“ facts  be  such  as  to  warrant  the  expressed  opinions  of  this  Con- 
“ ference,  that  prompt  and  effective  measures  be  adopted  for  the 
“ suppression  of  the  manufacture,  importation,  exportation  and 
“ sale  for  improper  uses  of  all  intoxicants  throughout  all  the 
“ nations  of  the  World;  and  that  in  addition  to  the  action  of 
“individual  Governments,  an  International  Conference  be 
“ officially  called  for  giving  universal  effect  to  this  International 
“Prohibitory  Movement.” 

Accompanying  the  Memorial-Petition  was  the  following 
letter,  signed  by  the  President,  Treasurer,  and  Hon.  Secretary 
of  the  Confederation,  and  worded  according  to  the  status  of  the 
various  Sovereigns  or  representative  rulers  — 

“ We  pray  that  Your  Majesty  may  graciously  deign  to 
“ bestow  attention  upon  the  Memorial-Petition  which  we  beg 
“ to  attach  to  this  letter.  We  are  assured  that,  in  your  desire  to 
“ serve  the  best  welfare  of  your  subjects,  the  destroying  power 
“ of  intoxicants  throughout  the  world  will  receive  your  Govern- 
“ ment’s  most  careful  and  sympathetic  consideration.” 

“ As  the  legal  Prohibition  of  the  harmful  traffic  in  intoxi- 
“ cants  is  receiving  careful  attention  on  the  part  of  various 
“ Sovereigns,  and  other  Statesmen  in  many  lands,  we  would 
“ pray  of  Your  Majesty  that  every  consideration  be  given  to  the 
“ great  remedial  principles  which  are  being  thus  widely  and 
“ successfully  applied,  to  remove  one  of  the  greatest  obstacles 
“ from  the  way  of  the  further  progress  of  the  human  race.” 

“ We  w'ould  furthermore  express  the  hope  that  the  litera- 
“ ture  which  we  are  venturing  to  send  Your  Majesty  mav  be 


21 


“ found  worthy  of  preservation  in  the  archives  of  your  Govern- 
“ ment.  ” 

“ We  should  feel  highly  honoured  at  receiving  any  expres- 
“ sion  with  which  Your  Majesty  might  deign  to  honour  our 
“Confederation;  and  assuring  you  of  the  highest  appreciation 
“ in  which  we  shall  hold  whatever  you  may  find  it  possible  to 
“recommend  in  this  reform  movement.” 

Among  the  many  replies  received,  the  following  from  Great 
Britain,  Germany,  Belgium,  Sweden,  Austria,  Portugal, 
Switzerland,  Mexico,  El  Salvador,  and  the  United  States  of 
America,  will  be  of  interest  : — 

Great  Britain. — On  the  return  of  King  George  V.  from 
the  Durbar  in  India,  His  Majesty’s  private  secretary,  under  date 
of  February  6th,  acknowledged  receipt  of  the  Petition  at  Buck- 
ingham Palace;  and  the  Home  Office  at  Whitehall,  London, 
wrote  on  February  13th,  1912  — 

“ I am  directed  by  the  Secretary  of  State  to  acquaint  you 
“ that  the  Memorial  and  Resolution  adopted  by  the  second 
“ biennial  Conference  of  the  International  Prohibition  Con- 
“ federation,  addressed  with  other  papers  to  the  King,  have 
“ been  referred  by  His  Majesty  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  and 
“ shall  be  duly  noted  in  this  Department.” 

Germany. — On  behalf  of  Emperor  William  IF,  the  German 
Embassy  in  London 

“ is  instructed  to  acknowledge  with  thanks  the  receipt  of  a 
“ letter,  dated  January  i6th,  with  enclosures,  which  the  Con- 
“ federation  has  been  good  enough  to  address  to  His  Majesty 
“ the  Emperor.  ” 

Belgium. — The  Minister  of  the  Royal  Palace  at  Brussels 
writes  on  January  22nd  on  behalf  of  King  Albert  of  Belgium  : — 

“ You  have  addressed  to  the  King  a letter  under  date  of 
“ the  i6th  inst.,  accompanied  by  a Memorial  and  Report  rela- 
“ tive  to  the  resolutions  adopted  by  the  ‘ Second  Biennial  Con- 
“ ference  of  the  International  Prohibition  Confederation  of 
“ London.’  1 have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  by  order  of 
“ His  Majesty,  your  letter  and  the  documents  have  been  trans- 
“ mitted  to  the  proper  Ministry.  Please  to  accept,  Monsieur 
“ le  President,  the  assurance  of  my  most  distinguished  con- 
“ sideration.  ” 

Sweden. — The  private  secretary  to  His  Majesty  Gustavus 
V.  writes  from  Stockholm  on  February  8th  ; — 

“ I have  been  directed  by  His  Majesty,  the  King  of 
“ Sweden,  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  letter  of  January 


22 


“ i6th  last,  and  enclosures,  and  to  inform  you  that  His  Majesty 
“ is  highly  interested  in  the  matter  and  thanks  you  for  your 
“ communication.  The  letter  has  been  handed  over  to  the 
‘ proper  Swedish  authorities  and  the  literature  forwarded,  and 
“ which  may  be  sent,  will  certainly  receive  the  same’s  best 
‘ ‘ attention.  ” 

Austria-Hungary. — The  Imperial  and  Royal  Austro-Hun- 
garian Consul-General  in  London  writes  that  he 

“ has  pleasure  in  informing  you  that,  according  to  a communi- 
“ cation  just  received  from  the  Foreign  Office  in  \'ienna.  His 
“ Majesty  the  Emperor  of  Austria  and  Apostolic  King  of 

“ Hungary,  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  accept  a copy  of 
“ Mr.  Guy  Hayler’s  work  on  Prohibition,  and  has  commanded 
“ that  the  same  be  placed  in  the  Imperial  and  Royal  Library. 
“ I am  instructed  to  convey  to  you  His  Majesty’s  thanks  for  the 
“ work  presented  to  him.” 

Switzerland. — The  Chancellor  of  the  .Swiss  Confederation 
writes  from  Berne  that 

” the  Federal  Council  has  observed  with  much  interest  the 

” memorial-petition  annexed  to  your  letter,  and  the  Council  is 
‘‘  always  interested  in  any  proposal  indicating  advances  in  the 
” sense  of  this  memorial.  The  struggle  against  the  abuse  of 
‘‘  alcohol  is  organised  in  Switzerland  by  the  legislative  acts  as 

‘‘  indicated  by  the  copies  of  the  laws  which  we  are  sending  to 

” you.” 

Portugal. — The  private  secretary  to  His  Excellency  Dom 
Manuel  D ’.Arriaga,  President  of  Portugal,  writes  from  Lisbon 
on  February  7th  : — 

‘‘  His  Excellency  the  President  sends  his  thanks  for  your 
” circular  of  the  i6th  ultimo  re  Prohibition  Confederation,  which 
‘‘  he  approves  of  as  one  of  the  best  for  the  welfare  of  human- 
” kind.” 

Mexico. — The  secretary  to  His  Excellency,  the  late  Presi- 
dent Madero,  writes  from  the  City  of  Mexico  on  February  ist  : — 

” The  President  of  the  Republic  has  received  your  attentive 
” favour  of  the  i6th  ultimo,  and  in  reply  says  that  he  has  read 
‘‘with  interest  the  matters  related  to  therein;  and  that  the 
‘‘  Government  is  taking  those  measures  which  it  esteems  most 
‘‘  proper  to  combat  the  vice  of  inebriety,  and  as  you  may  note 
‘‘  from  the  press  of  this  country.  The  accompanying  documents 
‘‘  which  you  have  sent  to  us  have  been  remitted  to  the  .Secretary 
‘‘  of  the  Interior,  that  note  may  be  taken  of  the  same,  and 
‘‘  equally  any  future  matters  which  you  may  send,  so  that  data 
‘‘  may  be  obtained  on  all  material  bearing  on  this  subject.” 


23 


El  Salvador. — The  President  of  the  Republic  of  El  Sal- 
vador, His  Excellency  Senor  Don  Manuel  Enrique  Araujo, 
writes  : — 

“ I am  gratified  to  acknowledge  your  attentive  letter  of  the 
“ i6th  January,  accompanied  by  a Memorial  on  the  destruction 
“ of  intoxicating  substances  throughout  the  world,  which  I have 
“ read  with  every  attention.  The  accompanying  documents 
“ have  been  duly  placed  in  our  archives,  as  you  desire.  For  the 
“ purpose  of  co-operating  in  every  sentiment  of  the  noble  and 
“ humanitarian  work  which  your  Association  has  entered  upon, 
“ I will  procure  all  of  the  necessary  data,  investigating  this 
“ subject  from  the  ethical  and  social  point  of  view,  as  the 
“ iMemorial  so  fitly  recommended. 

“ Felicitating  your  distinguished  Corporation,  and  wishing 
“ for  it  the  best  success  in  its  humanitarian  labours.” 

U.N’iTED  States. — On  behalf  of  His  Excellency,  President 
Taft,  the  Department  of  State  at  Washington  City,  U.S.A. , 
writes  on  February  6th  : — 

‘‘The  Department  acknowledges,  by  reference  from  the 
‘‘  President,  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  i6th  ultimo 
‘‘  addressed  to  him,  in  which  you  enclose  a copy  of  the  Memorial- 
‘‘  Resolution  adopted  by  the  Second  Biennial  Conference  of  the 
‘‘  International  Prohibition  Confederation,  which  met  at  The 
‘‘Hague,  September  11-16,  1911.” 

South  Africa. — The  Governor-General’s  secretary  writes 
from  Cape  Town,  as  follows  : — 

‘‘  I am  desired  by  Lord  Gladstone  to  acknowledge,  with 
‘‘  thanks,  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  i6th  January.  It  is 
‘‘  needless  to  say  that  His  Excellency  is  in  strong  sympathy  with 
‘‘the  cause  of  Temperance.  He  is,  however,  unable  to  comply 
‘‘  with  your  specific  request,  as  it  would  involve  matters  of  policy 
‘‘  which  devolve  entirely  upon  the  responsible  Government.” 

In  line  with  a suggestion  made  by  Lord  Gladstone,  the 
attention  of  General  Botha,  Premier  of  the  Union  of  South 
Africa,  has  accordingly  been  directed  to  the  matter  by  the  Con- 
federation. ” 

Australia.- — The  Official  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth 
of  Australia  writes  from  Melbourne  : — 

‘‘  I am  directed  by  His  Excellency  the  Governor- 
‘‘  General  to  inform  you  that  a copy  of  your  communi- 
‘‘  cation  has  been  forw'arded  to  the  Premiers  of  each  of  the 
‘‘  States  of  the  Commonwealth  for  their  information  and  any 
‘‘  action  their  Governments  may  be  disposed  to  take  in  the 
” matter.” 


24 


In  thus  making  and  distributing  copies  on  his  own  initiative, 
Lord  Denman,  as  the  Australian  representative  of  His  Majesty 
King  George  V.,  is  rendering  one  of  the  most  notable  services 
to  the  cause  of  prohibition  which  has  been  extended  officially  in 
recent  years. 


Russia. — In  reply  to  a request  for  information,  the  Imperial 
Russian  Consulate  General  in  London  writes  June  5th,  1913  : — 

“ I beg  to  assure  you  of  my  extreme  sympathy  with  the 
“ object  which  you  have  in  view.  There  is  no  reason  why  the 
“sale  of  alcohol  should  be  permitted  when  the  sale  of  opium 
“ is  prohibited.  The  crux  of  the  question  is  that  the  Govern- 
“ ments  of  civilised  States  are  nearly  all  interested  in  the  sale  of 
“ alcohol.  You  may  be  sure  of  the  sympathy  of  the  Russian 
“ public  at  large  with  your  movement.’’ 

China. — Replying  to  a memorial  sent  by  the  International 
Prohibition  Confederation  to  the  Government  of  the  Republic  of 
China  through  the  Chinese  Legation  at  Washington,  U.S.A., 
calling  attention  to  the  increased  consumption  of  alcoholic 
liquors,  etc.,  since  the  suppression  of  the  opium  traffic,  the 
Secretary  of  His  Excellency  writes,  April  13th,  1913  : — 

“ His  Excellency  the  Minister  of  the  Republic  of  China  is 
“ deeply  impressed  with  the  earnest  desire  and  noble  and  Christ- 
“ ian  motive  of  the  International  Prohibition  Confederation.  He 
“ has  read  through  the  leaflets  and  is  confident  to  say  that  your 
“ suggestions  and  leaflets  will  give  greater  impetus  to  the  efforts 
“ of  our  citizens  and  Government.  He  requests  that  further 
“copies  of  the  leaflets  might  be  sent  to  him.’’ 


PART  U 


EUROPE 


PaoJig/r/DU  LO'^rc/^ffAT/D 


CHAPTER  1 


The  Mother  of  Parliaments  ” 


“ The  drink  traffic  is  the  most  favoured  monopoly  in  the  country.  It 
is  a State-favoured,  a State-established,  a State-protected  and  State- 
endowed  traffic  ; it  is  sing;led  out  of  all  others  for  these  special  favours, 
so  that  to-day  we  are  ridden  and  driven  by  it,  whipped  and  spurred  by  it. 
It  beg-gares  us,  it  demoralises  us,  still  we  go  on  heaping  it  with  honours  and 
dignities  and  privileges — but  the  one  hopeful  sign  is  that  every  year  it 
lives  it  is  being  found  out.  Labour  know  it  to-day  as  its  great  foe,  social 
science  regards  it  as  its  deadliest  obstacle,  and  at  last  even  the  churches 
have  come  to  recognise  that  the  old  alliance  of  beer  and  the  Bible  is  a 
curse  to  humanity  and  a degradation  of  the  people.” 

C.  Silvester  Horne,  M.A  , M.P.,  London  ( 1913 ), 


From  the  earliest  days  of  the  English  Parliament,  the 
liquor  question  came  under  consideration  and  Acts  were  passed 
to  mitigate  the  evils  of  Alcoholism.  To  simply  enumerate 
the  many  laws  passed  dealing  with  the  subject  would  be 
tO'  show  a long  catalogue  of  failure  and  impotency,  only 
repressive  measures  having  any  semblance  of  success.  In 
1327  it  was  determined  to  limit  the  number  of  liquor  shops 
and  in  1495  to  give  the  Justices  power  to  prohibit  them 
in  any  given  locality.  In  1553  it  was  determined  that  no 
city  or  town  should  have  more  than  two  liquor  shops  except 
London  which  might  have  four,  Westminster  three,  York  eight 
and  Bristol  six.  In  1556  the  distillation  of  spirits  was  prohibited 
for  a time.  In  1604  repressive  laws  were  repealed  to  gain  an 
increased  revenue,  but  two  years  later  (1606)  these  laws  had  to 
be  re-enacted  because  of  the  enormous  evils  flowing  from  the 
liquor  traffic,  and  in  1623  further  repressive  measures  were 
adopted.  In  1686  a general  licensing  Act  was  passed,  the  pre- 
amble of  which  stated  “That  the  ancient,  true  and  principal  use 
of  Alehouses  was  for  the  lodging  of  wayfaring  people  and  for  the 
supply  of  the  wants  of  such  as  were  not  able  by  greater  quan- 
tities, to  make  the  provision  of  victuals  and  not  for  the  enter- 
tainment and  harbouring  of  lewd  and  idle  people  to  spend  their 
money  and  their  time  in  a lewd  and  drunken  manner.’’  But  only 
four  years  later  (i6go)  it  was  determined  to  permit  any  person  to 
set  up  a distillery  on  giving  ten  days’  notice  to  the  Excise  and 
paying  the  required  duty.  In  1699  Distillation  was  again 
prohibited  for  a time  because  of  the  scarcity  of  grain  for  food. 


28 


In  1725  the  College  of  Physicians  memorialised  Parliament 
as  to  the  increasingly  fatal  elfects  of  spirit  drinking,  and  in  1727 
such  heavy  duties  were  placed  upon  all  alcoholic  liquors  as  to 
almost  amount  to  their  entire  Prohibition.  The  reduction  in 
the  revenue  decreased  yearly  to  such  an  extent  that  in  1732 
these  duties  were  abolished  and  another  great  outburst  of 
drunkenness  was  the  result.  Lord  Carteret  declared  that  on  his 
way  to  Parliament  he  had  observed  persons  everywhere  lying 
about  in  the  street  insensibly  drunk,  and  Smollett  remarks  of 
this  time  “ you  may  get  drunk  for  one  penny,  dead  drunk  for 
twopence  and  have  clean  straw  for  threepence.  ’ ’ Taxation  was 
again  resorted  to  in  1736  to  reduce  drunkenness,  ;^T  ($5)  per 
gallon  being  placed  upon  Gin.  In  1757  distillation  was  again 
prohibited  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  food.  In  lybo  the  dis- 
tilleries were  reopened  and  in  thirty-two  years  the  consumption 
of  spirits  rose  from  60,000  gallons  to  over  2,000,000  gallons  per 
year.  For  two  years,  1796  to  1798,  distilleries  were  again 
closed. 

During  the  whole  of  1809  the  distilleries  were  also  closed  in 
Ireland  and  it  is  recorded  that  the  consumption  of  spirits  was 
reduced  by  nearly  one-half.  In  r8i3-r4  distilleries  were  again 
closed  in  Ireland  because  of  the  scarcity  of  food,  and  with  their 
savings  from  drink,  it  is  stated  the  inhabitants  were  able  to 
purchase  more  necessaries  of  life,  than  in  the  years  of  plenty 
when  the  distilleries  were  open.  In  1818  Legislation  was  passed 
by  which  greater  facilities  were  granted  both  for  distilling  and 
vending  of  spirits,  with  the  result  that  there  was  an  increased 
consumption  amounting  to  over  120  per  cent,  during  five  years. 
In  1828  the  whole  question  was  again  before  Parliament,  all 
the  old  liquor  laws  were  repealed  and  a general  licensing  Act 
adopted.  Only  two  years  were  allowed  to  pass  before  the  ques- 
tion was  again  under  consideration  and  the  Beer  Bill  of  1830 
passed,  by  which  some  30,000  Beer-shops  were  opened  through- 
out the  country.  The  evil  became  so  great  that  in  1834  James 
Silk  Buckingham,  the  member  for  Sheffield,  demanded  that  a 
Parliamentary  Committee  on  drunkenness  should  be  appointed. 
This  was  done,  and  the  Committee  recommended  many  restric- 
tions, the  reduction  in  the  number  of  liquor-shops ; partial 
Sunday  Closing,  and  a National  system  of  Education,  including 
Temperance  I'eaching  for  all  the  children.  Althougli  there  was 
no  direct  practical  legislation  upon  the  Committee’s  findings, 
the  indirect  results  were  very  great  indeed.  The  publication  of 
the  speech  of  Mr.  |.  S.  Buckingham  and  the  evidence  submitted 
to  the  Committee,  was  of  great  value  and  roused  many  to  the 
danger  the  country  was  in  from  .Alcoholism.  In  1835  the  Beer 


29 


Act  was  amended  so  that  in  cities  and  towns  of  more  than  5,000 
inhabitants  each  beer  seller  was  compelled  to  get  a certificate 
of  good  character  from  six  rated  householders. 

In  1839  “The  Metropolitan  Police  Act”  was  passed  by  which 
it  was  enacted  that  all  drinkshops  should  be  closed  till  one  o’clock 
in  the  afternoon  on  Sundays,  Christmas  Day  and  Good  Friday, 
and  it  prohibited  (he  sale  of  spirits  for  consumption  on  the 
premises  to  any  boy  or  girl  under  16  years  of  age.  In  1848 
“ The  Sale  of  Intoxicating  Liquors  on  Sunday  (regulation)  Act  ” 
enacted  that  no  drink  should  be  sold  throughout  the  United 
Kingdom  before  half  past  twelve  o’clock  on  Sunday.  In  1854 
what  Is  known  as  the  “ Forbes-Mackenzies  ” Sunday  Closing 
Act  for  Scotland  was  passed  and  during  the  same  year  (1854)  a 
Parliamentary  Select  Committee  made  a strong  recommendation 
respecting  the  common  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors.  In  i860  a 
great  retrograde  step  was  taken  in  passing  the  “ Refreshment 
and  Wine  Licence  Act,”  by  which  any  shop-keeper  could  claim 
a licence  to  sell  foreign  wines  for  “ off  ” consumption.  And 
confectioners,  eating-house  keepers,  drapers  and  others  were 
entitled  to  obtain  a wine  licence  for  consumption  on  the  premises. 
Persistent  opposition  succeeded  in  preventing  this  measure  from 
being  made  applicable  to  Scotland.  The  same  year  (i860)  the 
retailing  or  using  of  spirits  in  jails  was  abolished,  the  hawking 
or  selling  of  spirits  in  unlicensed  places  prohibited,  and  the  Mines 
Regulation  Act  contained  clauses  prohibiting  the  payment  of 
wages  in  proximity  to  places  where  intoxicating  liquors  were 
retailed. 

In  1867  “ The  County  Court  (Amendment)  Act  ” contained 
clauses,  enacting  that  no  debt  for  liquor  consumed  on  the  pre- 
mises could  be  recovered  by  law,  nor  any  security  taken  for 
payment.  In  i86g  by  Sir  H.  Selwin-Ibbetson’s  “ Wine  and 
Beer-house  (England  and  Wales)  Act,”  which  raised  the  rating 
qualification,  hundreds  of  beer-houses  were  closed  throughout 
the  country.  No  less  than  300  were  closed  in  Liverpool  alone. 
In  1871  a Licensing  Suspensory  Act”  was  passed  prohibiting 
the  granting  of  any  new  licences  for  twelve  months.  The 
“ Licensing  Act  ” of  1872  reduced  the  hours  of  sale  from  21  hours 
to  17.  In  the  same  year  (1872)  two  Acts  were  passed  prohi- 
biting the  payment  of  wages  In  public-houses  to  coal  and  other 
miners.  In  1874  rlrink  selling  by  grocers  and  other  licensed 
shop-keepers,  after  public-houses  were  closed,  was  prohibited. 
In  1876  brewers  and  distillers  were  disqualified  from  acting'  as 
Licensing  Justices.  In  1878  the  Irish  Sunday  Closing  Act 
passed  closing  all  public-houses  in  Ireland  on  Sunday,  excepting 
those  in  Dublin,  Belfast,  Cork,  Limerick  and  Waterford, 


30 


In  i88i  “The  Welsh  Sunday  Closing-  Act”  was  passed, 
and  the  same  year  the  Admiralty  announced  that  spirits  would 
no  longer  be  issued  in  the  Navy,  to  officers,  or  youths  under 
twenty  years  of  age. 

Since  then  a great  revolution  has  taken  place  in  reference  to 
the  serving  of  liquor  in  the  British  Navy,  money  being  substi- 
tuted (1913)  for  Rum  unless  the  sailor  wishes  otherwise.  In 
1883  Parliamentary  Election  Committees  and  political  meetings 
were  prohibited  from  being  held  on  licensed  premises.  Another 
measure  was  passed  during  this  year  w'hich  enacted  that  no 
wages  should  be  paid  to  any  workmen,  at  or  wdthin  drink 
licensed  premises  or  offices  or  gardens  belonging  thereto  under 
penalties  not  exceeding  ;/'io  ($50)  for  each  offence.  In  1884 
Municipal  Election  Committees  and  meetings  were  prohibited 
from  being  held  on  licensed  premises.  In  1886  an  .Act  was 
passed  prohibiting  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  to  children  under 
thirteen  years  of  age,  “ for  his  or  her  own  consumption.”  In 
1887  farmers  and  others  were  prohibited  from  supplying  intoxi- 
cating liquors  as  part  payment  of  wages.  The  same  year  (1887) 
an  Act  was  passed  for  Scotland  which  enabled  the  authorities  to 
close  all  licensed  premises  at  10  p.m.  except  in  towns  with  50,000 
inhabitants  and  in  1903  this  power  w'as  extended  to  the  whole  of 
.Scotland  and  exercised  throughout  the  whole  country. 

In  1889  “ The  Protection  of  Children’s  .Act  ” was  passed 
prohibiting  children  under  ten  years  of  age,  selling,  singing, 
playing  or  performing  for  profit  on  licensed  premises,  and  pro- 
viding that  no  boy  under  14  or  girl  under  16  should  be  emplo3’ed 
on  licensed  premises  after  10  p.m.  in  summer,  or  8 p.m.  in  wnnter. 
In  1892  “ The  Small  Holdings  (Agricultural)  .Act  ” decreed 
“ That  no  dwelling-house  or  building  on  the  holding  shall  be 
used  for  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors.  ” In  1894  Parliament  voted 
;^5oo  as  a donation  to  the  .Army  Temperance  .Association  and 
also  passed  an  .Act  prohibiting  District  and  Parish  Council 
election  committees  and  meetings  being  held  on  licensed  pre- 
mises. In  1898  Inebriate  Reformatories  were  established  and 
power  given  to  the  authorities  to  send  habitual  drunkards  to 
such  institutions  for  a period  of  three  years.  In  1901  “ The 
Intoxicating  Liquors  (Sale  to  Children)  .Act  ” was  passed  prohi- 
biting the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  in  unsealed  vessels  to  children 
under  fourteen  j'ears  of  age. 

.Altogether  some  400  .Acts  of  Parliament  have  been  passed 
dealing  with  the  liquor  question  ; yet  the  problem  is  unsettled, 
and  must  remain  unsettled  until  Parliament  is  wise  enough  and 
strong  enough  to  prohibit  the  manufacture,  importation  and  sale 
of  all  intoxicants  for  beverage  purposes, 


CHAPTER  II 


The  British  Isles 

“ It  is  in  vain  that  every  engine  is  set  to  work  that  philanthropy  can 
devise,  when  those  whom  vve  seek  to  benefit  are  habitually  tampering  with 
their  faculties  of  reason  and  will,  soaking  their  brains  with  beer  or  inflaming 
them  with  ardent  spirits.  The  struggle  of  the  school,  the  library  and  the 
church,  all  united  against  the  beer-house  and  the  gin-palace,  is  but  one 
development  of  the  war  between  heaven  and  hell.  It  is,  in  short,  intoxica- 
tion that  fills  our  jails,  it  is  intoxication  that  fills  our  workhouses  with  poor. 
Looking  then  at  the  manifold  and  frightful  evils  that  spring  from  drunken- 
ness, I think  I am  justified  in  saying  that  it  is  the  most  dreadful  of  all  the 
evils  that  affect  the  British  Isles.  I am  convinced  that  if  a statesman  who 
heartily  wished  to  do  the  utmost  good  to  his  country  were  thoughtfully  to 
inquire  which  of  the  topics  of  the  day  deserved  the  most  intense  force  of  his 
attention,  the  true  reply — the  reply  which  would  be  exacted  by  full  delibera- 
tion— would  be  that  he  should  study  the  means  by  which  this  worst  of  plagues 
can  be  stayed.  Surely  such  a question  as  this,  inclosing  within  its  limits 
consequences  so  momentous,  ought  to  be  weighed  with  earnest  thought  by 
all  our  patriots. — Charles  Buxton,  the  great  English  brewer  ( 1854 ). 


The  first  practical  steps  taken  in  the  British  Isles  to  secure 
the  suppression  of  the  liquor  traffic,  dated  from  June,  1853,  when 
the  United  Kingdom  Alliance  was  formed  at  Manchester.  The 
passing  into  law,  in  the  State  of  Maine,  of  an  enactment  prohi- 
biting the  manufacture,  and  sale  of  all  alcoholic  liquors  in  that 
State,  created  a strong  impression  among  a large  number  of 
Temperance  reformers  in  favour  of  a similar  law  for  the  United 
Kingdom.  A strong  and  aggressive  agitation  was  organised 
throughout  the  country,  and,  the  first  President,  Sir  Walter  C. 
Trevelyan,  closed  up  all  the  public-houses  on  his  estate  in  North- 
umberland. The  beneficial  effects  of  this  step  became  so  appar- 
ent that  a number  of  other  landowners  did  the  same  with  equally 
good  results.  Sir  George  Trevelyan,  speaking  after  sixty  years’ 
experience  of  prohibition,  says  : — 

“Drinking  shops  are  an  evil  in  themselves,  and  they  can 
“ be  abolished  and  can  be  extinguished  without  any  disadvan- 
“ tages  to  the  public  which,  in  any  degree,  can  be  weighed 
“ against  the  enormous  disadvantages  and  evils  of  their  exist- 
“ ence.  This  may  be  to  others  a matter  of  theory,  but  it  is  to 
“me  a question  of  experience.  Sixty  years  ago  Sir  Walter 
“ Trevelyan  took  the  matter  into  his  own  hands  and  suppressed 
“ all  the  public-houses  over  the  whole  of  his  estate.  Since  then 
“generations  have  grown  up  with  the  tastes  and  habits  which 


32 


“ were  formed  under  a new  system,  wdth  self-respect,  frugality, 
“ and  a high  standard  of  comfort  for  themselves,  and,  w'hat  is 
“ much  more  important,  for  their  wives  and  children.  And  I 
“ venture  to  say  that  the  most  minute,  and  even  the  most 
“ malevolent,  scrutiny  could  never  discover  in  that  district  any 
“ evil  whatever  has  resulted  from  the  suppression  of  the  public- 
“ houses.  On  the  other  hand,  the  most  superficial  observer  will 
“ see  signs  on  the  very  face  of  the  country  of  innumerable  bless- 
“ ings  which  have  resulted  from  the  change.  My  neighbours 
“ have  good  health,  good  wages,  good  honour,  good  houses  full 
“ of  furniture,  and  have  saved  money.  They  are  neighbours 
“ indeed,  and  not  dependents — there  is  not  a single  pauper  on 
“ the  estate. 

The  Agent  of  the  adjoining  estate  of  Sir  Arthur  Middleton 
says  ; — 

“ .A^s  to  Belsay  and  Prohibition,  I may  say  that  there  has 
“ not  been  a public-house  for  over  fifty  years,  and  the  improve- 
“ ment  is  very  marked.  On  the  neighbouring  estates  of  Sir 
“ John  Swinburn  and  others  there  are  no  public-houses,  so  that 
“ we  have  an  area  of  about  one  hundred  square  miles  without 
“ this  curse.  The  people  are  industrious  and  generally  well  off. 
“ Another  important  fact — you  don’t  meet  a policeman  every 
“ time  you  choose  to  take  a walk,  and  I believe  there  is  not  a 
“ policeman  within  this  area,  except  at  Bolam,  and  he  is  a 
private  constable.” 

In  igii  an  Official  Return  was  issued  by  the  Government 
showing  that  in  3,903  Rural  Parishes  in  England  and  Wales, 
with  a population  of  575,219,  there  was  no  public-house  for  the 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  ‘‘  on  ” the  premises.  It  is  also  well 
known  that  in  a very  large  number  of  these  places  there  are  also 
no  places  for  the  sale  of  these  liquors  '‘off  ” the  premises 
either.  In  addition  to  the  Rural  districts,  there  are  many 
suburbs  and  areas  in  the  large  cities  and  towns,  throughout  the 
United  Kingdom  where  Prohibition  has  long  been  in  force  by 
the  will  of  the  landowner.  ‘‘  The  Artizans’,  Labourers’,  and 
General  Dwellings  Company  ” was  established  in  1S67  with  a 
view  to  laying  out  estates  with  houses  free  from  the  evils  of  the 
public-houses  and  this  has  been  most  successfully  carried  out. 
In  London  this  Company  has  four  large  estates  upon  which 
over  2,000  houses  have  been  built,  inhabited  by  some  10,000 
persons.  Similar  estates  have  also  been  laid  out  by  Lord  Row- 
alan  in  London  and  in  Scotland,  and  by  the  Toxteth  Park  Estate 
Company  in  Liverpool,  and  other  companies  in  Birmingham, 
Manchester,  Hull,  etc.  It  Is  also  a notable  fact  that  practically 
all  the  Garden  City  Associations  have  laid  out  their  new  cities 
without  a single  site  being  set  apart  for  a public-house, 


33 


England  and  Wales. — The  first  step  taken  in  Parliament  to 
give  the  people  power  to  suppress  the  liquor  traffic  was  made  in 
1863  by  the  late  Sir  Wilfrid  Lawson,  Bart.,  M.P.,  when  he 
moved  the  following  resolution  : “ That  in  the  opinion  of  this 
House,  the  laws  under  which  licences  are  granted  for  the  sale  of 
intoxicating  liquors  are  eminently  unsatisfactory  and  deficient  in 
power  to  protect  the  public,  and,  therefore  require  immediate 
alteration.”  Only  twenty-one  members  could  be  found  at  that 
time  to  support  the  motion,  and  it  was  defeated  by  a majority 
of  66,  the  division  being  a very  small  one.  In  later  years  Sir 
Wilfrid  Lawson  proposed  a ” Permissive  Prohibitory  Liquor 
Bill  ” which  would  have  given  the  ratepayers  of  given  districts 
power  to  prohibit  the  issue  of  liquor  licenses  in  their  respective 
districts.  The  Bill  aroused  an  enormous  amount  of  public  opin- 
ion in  its  favour  but  failed  to  pass  the  House  of  Commons. 

On  the  invitation  of  Mr.  John  Bright,  M.  P.,  Sir  Wilfrid 
Lawson  proposed  a resolution  in  favour  of  Local  Option.  The 
resolution  was  as  follows  : — 

‘‘  That  inasmuch  as  the  ancient  and  avowed  object  of 
” licensing  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  is  to  supply  a supposed 
‘‘public  want  without  detriment  to  the  public  welfare,  this 
‘‘  House  is  of  the  opinion  that  a legal  power  of  restraining  the 
‘‘  issue  or  renewal  of  licences  should  be  placed  in  the  hands  of 
‘‘the  persons  most  deeply  interested  and  affected,  viz.,  the  in- 
‘‘ habitants  themselves,  who  are  entitled  to  protection  from  the 
‘‘  injurious  consequences  of  the  present  system  by  some  efficient 
‘‘  means  of  Local  Option.” 

The  resolution  was  defeated,  the  vote  being  : for,  185 ; and 
against,  273.  In  1880  a general  election  took  place  and  the 
liquor  question  was  brought  very  prominently  before  the  people 
and  a much  larger  number  of  candidates  were  elected  in  favour 
of  Sir  Wilfrid  Lawson’s  resolution ; so  that  when  later  in  the 
year,  the  resolution  came  before  the  House  again,  it  was 
adopted,  the  vote  being  : for,  229;  against,  203.  Similar  resolu- 
tions, but  calling  for  Government  action,  were  adopted  in  1881 
by  a majority  of  42  and  in  1883  by  a majority  of  87.  In  i8gi  the 
Welsh  Local  Veto  Bill  passed  its  Second  Reading  by  a majority 
of  7;  for  187;  against  180.  In  1893  Sir  William  Harcourt  intro- 
duced the  first  Government  Measure  giving  a veto  power  to  the 
people  over  the  issue  and  renewal  of  liquor  licences,  by  two- 
thirds  majority.  Hotels,  eating-houses,  railway  stations  bars 
and  chemist  shops  were  exempted.  The  Bill  was  withdrawn. 

In  1895  Sir  William  Harcourt  introduced  the  second  Govern- 
ment Measure,  similar  to  that  of  1893,  but  giving  the  additional 
option  of  reduction  where  Prohibition  was  not  carried  and  the 


D 


34 


abolition  of  appeals  to  Quarter  Session.  This  Bill  was  also  with- 
drawn. The  liquor  party  were  successful  at  the  General  Election 
in  1895  and  again  in  1900,  largely  due  to  the  unfortunate  war  in 
South  Africa.  A most  retrograde  Licensing  Act  was  passed  in 
1904,  which  for  the  first  time  in  English  History  conceded  the 
right  of  compensation  upon  the  refusal  to  grant  a liquor  licence 
by  way  of  renewal.  In  1906  another  General  Election  took  place 
and  the  people  swept  the  liquor  party  from  power  by  an  enormous 
majority.  Two  years  later  (1908)  Mr.  H.  H.  Asquith  introduced 
the  third  Government  Licensing  Bill  which  was  by  far  the  most 
advanced  legislation  dealing  with  the  drink  evil,  ever  proposed 
by  a British  Government,  and  although  there  were  many  things 
in  the  Measure  to  which  the  Temperance  party  objected,  the  main 
provisions  were  so  satisfactory  that  the  whole  of  the  Temperance 
Organisations  rallied  to  the  support  of  the  Government.  The 
liquor  party  were  most  determinedly  opposed  to  the  Measure 
and  the  greatest  fight  ever  waged  for  the  people  resulted  in  the 
Nation  being  robbed  of  its  victory  by  the  action  of  the  reaction- 
ary House  of  Lords  in  rejecting  the  Measure,  which  passed  the 
House  of  Commons  by  the  unprecedented  majority  of  237.  For, 
350;  against,  113. 

The  position  taken  up  by  the  House  of  Lords  in  rejecting 
the  English  Licensing  Bill  and  other  Government  Measures 
brought  about  a constitutional  crisis,  which  after  two  General 
Elections  in  1910,  ended  in  the  curtailment  of  the  powers  of  the 
House  of  Lords.  In  both  of  these  General  Elections  the  liquor 
question  was  prominently  before  the  electors  and  a large  majority 
of  the  Members  pledged  themselves  to  support  the  Direct  \'eto, 
Sunday  Closing  and  the  Government  Temperance  Measure.  They 
also  promised  to  oppose  so-called  “disinterested  management,” 
Municipalisation,  and  any  other  scheme  for  the  public  manage- 
ment of  the  liquor  traffic. 

A large  and  important  deputation  of  Temperance  reformers 
waited  upon  the  Prime  Minister,  the  Rt.  Hon.  H.  H.  Asquith, 
M.P.,  at  the  end  of  1908,  after  the  rejection  of  the  Licensing  Bill 
by  the  Lords.  Mr.  Asquith  in  his  reply  said  : — 

“ I am  here  to-day  to  tell  you,  and  I do  it  in  the  plainest 
“ and  simplest  language,  that  in  the  opinion  of  His  Majesty’s 
“ Government,  the  Licensing  Bill,  in  its  main  provisions,  repre- 
“ sents  not  the  most,  but  the  least,  measure  of  reform  in  regard 
“ to  this  great  and  growing  evil  with  which  you,  and  we,  and 
“ the  country,  ought  to  be  content.  We  have  not  abated  one  jot 
“ of  our  interest  or  of  our  determination  in  regard  to  this  matter, 
“ and  when  the  time  comes — and  it  cannot  be  far  distant — when 
“ we  join  issue  and  come  into  the  open  field,  there  is  no  measure 


35 


“in  regard  to  which  we  shall  appeal  more  confidently  to  the 
“ people  of  this  country  to  determine  between  its  own  elected 
“ representatives  and  an  irresponsible  body,  than  this  measure 
“ of  Temperance  Reform.  It  will  be  in  the  forefront  of  the 
“ controversy,  and  if,  as  I not  only  hope,  but  believe,  the  people 
“ decide  that  controversy  by  determining  that  they  will  be 
“ masters  in  their  own  House — I cannot  doubt  that  one  of  the 
“ first  fruits  of  the  victory  will  be  that  the  measure  will  take  its 
“ place  upon  the  Statute  Book,  then  we  shall  be  emancipated 
“ once  and  for  all  from  all  the  thraldom  of  this  dominating  and 
“ paralysing  interest.’’ 

Having  waited  over  four  years  for  the  Government  to  take 
action,  and  nothing  having  been  attempted,  so  far  as  England 
and  Wales  is  concerned,  a great  National  Convention  was  held 
in  London  on  November  13th,  1912.  Over  2,500  elected  repre- 
sentatives attended  from  all  parts  of  England  and  Wales,  with 
fraternal  delegates  from  Scotland  and  Ireland.  A large  and 
influential  deputation  was  appointed  to  present  a Memorial  to 
the  Prime  Minister,  demanding  the  early  fulfilment  of  the 
repeated  pledges  to  deal  with  the  liquor  question.  The  deputa- 
tation  was  received  on  December  iith,  1912,  and  in  reply  to  the 
Memorial  and  address,  Mr.  Asquith  said  : — 

“ I am  very  glad  to  have  the  honour,  with  my  Right  Hon. 
“ friend,  the  Home  Secretary,  of  receiving  this  representative 
“ Deputation,  and  I know  that  I need  not  assure  you  of  my 
‘ sympathy  with  the  object  which  you  and  we  alike  have  in 
“ view.  . . . And  I believe  that  the  Liberal  Party,  if  it  remains 
“ in  power  and  in  control  of  the  legislation  of  the  country — and 
“of  course  one  great  difficulty  and  obstacle  has  been  removed 
“ by  the  passing  of  the  Parliament  Act — will,  in  the  years  to 
“ come,  show  itself  as  zealous,  and  be  able  to  prove  itself  more 
“ practically  effective  in  the  direction  of  Temperance  legislation 
“ than  has  been  possible  owing  to  those  obstacles  now  passed. 
“ During  the  present  session  of  Parliament  a Bill  has  been  passed 
“ through  the  House  of  Commons  dealing  with  this  matter  in 
“ Scotland,  which  when  it  receives  the  Royal  Assent  will  be  a 
“ substantial  contribution  to  the  progress  of  Temperance 
“ Reform.  . . . The  next  session  cannot  be  a long  one- — ^it  must 
“ be  a short  one.  It  would  be  a most  dishonest  thing,  under 
“ those  conditions,  if  I were  to  say  to  you  now  that  there  is  any 
“ reasonable  prospect — I will  not  say  of  introducing — but  of 
“ attempting  to  carry  through  the  House  of  Commons  into  law 
“ any  large  measure  of  Temperance  legislation.  You  must  take 
“ this  plain  statement  not,  I hope,  in  any  sense  as  a discourage- 
“ ment,  but  as  a simple  recognition  of  parliamentary  conditions 
“ which  no  Statesman  could  possibly  ignore,  and  not  as  indi- 
“ eating  any  abatement  in  the  desire  of  my  colleagues  and  my- 


36 


“ self,  as  soon  as  tijne  and  opportunity  offer,  to  effect  this  great 
“and  long-delayed  social  reform.” 

Great  disappointment  followed  this  announcement  that 
nothing  of  a practical  character  could  be  attempted  in  1913.  But 
it  was  resolved  by  all  the  Temperance  organisations  to  continue 
the  agitation  throughout  the  country,  and  especially  that  of 
educating  the  people  on  this  great  question. 

It  is  officially  stated  that  nearly  400  Educational  Authorities 
have  adopted  the  Temperance  Syllabuses  issued  by  His  Majesty’s 
Government.  This  means  that  definite  Temperance  instruction, 
showing  the  action  of  alcohol  on  the  human  system,  is  now  being 
given  to  a very  large  number  of  children  in  the  public  .schools 
throughout  Great  Britain  and  Ireland. 

Scotland. — The  Prohibitory  movement  makes  steady  pro- 
gress in  Scotland.  In  all  walks  of  life — commercial,  ecclesias- 
tical, educative,  scientific,  social,  moral — the  tide  is  unmistakably 
rising  against  the  traffic  in  alcohol.  The  practice  of  abstinence 
is  continuously  on  the  increase,  the  drink  bill  is  decreasing, 
there  is  not  the  same  open  drunkenness  which  used  to  be  and 
which  was  a great  stigma  on  the  country,  it  is  almost  an  impossi- 
bility to  get  a new  licence,  and  there  has  been  a steady  decrease 
in  the  number  of  licences,  and  that  without  compensation.  For 
the  five  years  ending  1911  there  was  a decrease  of  481  licences. 
In  Scotland  there  are  149  Licensing  Courts,  74  County  juris- 
dictions, and  75  Burghs.  In  the  County  areas  the  number  of 
licences  at  December,  1911  (the  returns  for  1912  are  not  yet 
published)  totalled  3,859,  being  one  to  every  489  of  the  popula- 
tion ; in  the  Burghs  (cities  and  towns)  there  were  6,510  licences, 
or  one  to  every  432  of  the  population.  Taking  Scotland  as  a 
whole  there  is  one  licence  to  every  453  of  the  population.  There 
are  great  variations  in  the  number  of  licences  issued.  In  the 
Counties  the  numbers  vary  from  one  to  every  2,329  inhabitants 
In  Nairnshire,  one  to  every  218  in  .Ayrshire;  and  in  the  Burghs 
from  one  to  every  1,137  Clydebank,  to  one  to  every  113  in 
Cupar-Fife. 

During  recent  years,  while  every  phase  of  the  man^’-sided 
Temperance  question  has  been  in  evidence,  greatest  attention 
has  been  given  to  the  question  of  legislation.  The  Government 
went  into  power  in  December,  1910,  pledged  to  grant  a measure 
of  Temperance  Reform  to  Scotland.  It  was  expected  that  their 
promised  Bill  would  have  been  introduced  in  1911,  but  the  Gov- 
ernment’s hands  were  too  full.  Early  In  the  session  of  1912 
(March  12th)  the  measure  was  introduced  by  Mr.  McKinnon 
M'^ood  (Secretary  for  Scotland)  and  Mr.  L^re  (Lord  .\dvocate). 
The  Bill  was  practically  identical  with  the  Temperance  (Scotland) 


37 


Bill  introduced  for  several  years  at  the  instigation  of  the  Scottish 
Permissive  Bill  and  Temperance  Association,  and  which  had 
three  times  received  a second  reading  by  the  House  of  Commons 
and  had  twice  been  approved  by  the  Scottish  Grand  Committee. 
It  must  not  be  supposed  on  that  account  that  the  Bill  was  all 
that  many  Scottish  Temperance  Reformers  desired.  In  many 
respects  it  is  a weak  measure  and  but  a poor  substitute  for  Pro- 
hibition. The  chief  provisions  of  the  measure  are  that  on  the 
request  of  ten  per  cent,  of  the  electors  in  any  area  under  the 
Bill — (country  parishes,  small  burghs,  and  wards  of  burghs 
having  over  25,000  population) — a poll  must  be  taken  on  three 
resolutions: — (i)  No  change;  (2)  Reduction  (reducing  licences 
by  25  per  cent.);  (3)  No'  licence.  A simple  majority  is  sufficient 
to  adopt  No.  I and  No.  2,  but  the  majority  in  the  case  of  No.  2 
must  constitute  30  per  cent,  of  the  electors.  To  adopt  No.  3 the 
majority  must  be  three-fifths  of  the  votes  recorded,  and  not  less 
than  30  per  cent,  of  the  electors  in  the  area.  The  measure  enacts 
that  licensed  premises  shall  not  be  opened  before  ten  o’clock 
in  the  morning  (the  opening  hour  at  present  is  8 a.m.).  There 
are  also  some  provisions  for  the  better  regulation  of  Clubs. 

The  Bill  was  read  a second  time  by  the  House  of  Commons 
on  April  ist  by  a majority  of  53.  For,  153;  against,  100.  Scot- 
land gave  40  votes  for  and  seven  against.  The  measure  went 
into  Committee  on  April  24th,  and  was  reported  to  the  House 
on  June  i8th.  Many  attempts  were  made  in  Committee  to 
weaken  the  Bill,  but  all  happily  failed.  A strong  attempt  to 
insert  an  option  in  favour  of  “ disinterested  ” management  failed 
by  37  votes  to  26,  the  Scottish  vote  being  34  against,  18  for. 
The  Bill  passed  its  Report  Stage  on  October  8th  and  9th,  and 
the  Third  Reading  was  passed  on  the  latter  date  by  a majority 
of  157,  Scotland  giving  45  votes  for  and  eight  against. 

In  the  House  of  Lords  the  Bill  was  badly  treated.  Amend- 
ments were  adopted  extending  the  time  notice  from  five  to  ten 
years,  giving  an  option  of  “ disinterested  ” management,  in- 
creasing the  majority  necessary  to  adopt  No  Licence  from  three- 
fifths  to  two-thirds,  etc.  On  the  Bill  returning  to  the  House 
of  Commons,  all  the  amendments  (?)  inserted  by  the  Lords  were 
rejected,  although  a most  determined  effort  was  made  to  have 
the  option  of  “ disinterested”  management  retained.  The  Lords 
refused  to  allow  the  Bill  to  become  law,  and  consequently  it 
was  dropped  for  the  session. 

In  the  1913  session  the  Government  re-introduced  the  Bill. 
On  reaching  the  House  of  Lords  a compromise  was  effected  and 
it  was  passed  as  an  agreed  measure.  The  changes  are  very  few. 
The  time  limit  is  extended  to  eight  years  from  June,  1912  ; the 
majority  required  to  carry  no-licence  is  reduced  to  55  per  cent.  ; 


38 


while  the  qualifying  number  of  electors  is  increased  to  35  per 
cent.  Clubs  must  close  from  2 a.m.  to  10  a.m. 

Great  credit  is  due  to  Mr.  McKinnon  Wood,  the  Secretary 
for  Scotland,  for  the  tact  and  skill  displayed  in  piloting  the  Bill 
through  its  various  stages.  Despite  strong  opposition  from 
avowed  foes  and  pretended  friends,  he  stood  nobly  to  his  promises 
and  rejected  all  attempts  to  make  the  Bill  of  less  effect,  and  in 
this  he  acted  in  strict  accord  with  the  desires  of  the  vast  majority 
of  the  people  of  Scotland  and  the  Temperance  reformers  of  the 
United  Kingdom. 

Ireland. — Three  years  after  Dr.  Lyman  Beecher  preached 
his  Six  Sermons  in  the  L'nitcd  States,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Edgar 
of  Belfast,  inaugurated  the  Temperance  Crusade  in  the  United 
Kingdom  by  issuing  his  now  historic  appeal  in  August,  1829. 

Father  Mathew  entered  upon  his  mission  in  1838;  and  in 
half  a decade  five  million  persons  had  taken  the  total  abstinence 
pledge,  whilst  the  annual  decrease  in  the  consumption  of  spirits 
amounted  to  one  million  gallons,  resulting  in  a marvellous  re- 
duction of  crime,  on  account  of  which  the  then  Chief  Secretary — 
Lord  Morpeth — declared  that  “ the  duty  of  the  military  and 
police  was  almost  entirely  confined  to  keeping  the  ground  clear 
for  the  operations  of  Father  Mathew.” 

The  subsequent  recrudescence  of  the  Drink  Habit  was  most 
largely  due  to  the  continuance  of  the  liquor  traffic  licensed  by 
the  Government.  Father  Mathew  sorrowfully  recognised  that 
tragic  fact  and  became  a \’ice-President  of  the  United  Kingdom 
Alliance,  which,  in  his  own  words,  ‘‘strikes  at  the  very  root  of 
the  evil.”  ‘‘  I trust  in  God,”  he  added,  ‘‘that  the  associated 
efforts  of  the  many  good  and  benevolent  men  will  effectually 
crush  a monster  gorged  with  human  gore.” 

In  1859  a remarkable  wave  of  religious  revival  swept  over 
Ulster,  causing  the  public-houses  to  be  emptied  of  customers  and 
the  owners  of  not  a few  of  them  to  throw  their  stock-in-trade 
into  the  river  or  the  street.  At  annual  demonstrations  or  on  holi- 
days drinking  and  disorder  were  conspicuous  by  their  absence ; 
and  every  magistrate  and  judge  of  Assize  called  attention  to  the 
absence  of  criminal  charges  in  the  Courts  of  Justice. 

Most  men  had  vision  enough  to  recognise  in  such  a social 
transformation  the  benefits  bestowed  by  total  abstinence.  But 
public-houses  were  allowed  to  remain.  Some  were  re-opened, 
new  licences  were  sought  and  granted  ; and  the  old  temptations 
were  mercilessly  plied,  with  the  natural  results. 

There  has  been  ever  since  on  the  part  of  earnest  people  a 
growing  demand  for  the  power  to  safeguard  themselves  from  the 
first  and  worst  foe  of  the  home,  the  Church,  and  the  nation.  The 


39 


Rev.  John  MacMillan,  D.D.,  Moderator  United  Free  Presby- 
terians of  Ireland,  writes  July,  1913  : — 

“ In  my  own  denomination  we  have  been  calling  for  Local 
“ Option  and  Prohibition  for  many  years.  Other  Protestant 
“ denominations  are  prosecuting  Temperance  work  with  vigour. 
“ The  Roman  Catholic  Church  has  of  late  years  exhibited  much 
“ activity.  It  is  now  a rule  with  the  bishops  to  require  from  can- 
“ didates  for  confirmation  a total  abstinence  pledge  which  is 
“ binding  until  the  person  has  reached  the  age  of  twenty-one 
“ years.  ” 

In  1878  the  Irish  Sunday  Closing  Act  was  passed,  closing 
all  public-houses  in  Ireland  on  Sunday,  excepting  those  in  Dub- 
lin, Belfast,  Cork,  Limerick,  and  Waterford.  In  1906  the  Irish 
Sunday  Closing  Act,  which  had  formerly  been  adopted  from  year 
to  year,  was  made  permanent,  with  reduced  hours  in  the  five 
exempted  cities  and  earlier  closing  on  Saturday  throughout  the 
whole  country.  In  1902  the  issue  of  new  licences  in  Ireland  was 
suspended  and  the  Act  has  been  renewed  every  year  since,  so 
that  from  that  year  nO'  new  licences  have  been  issued. 

On  account  of  the  present  political  position  in  Ireland,  the 
legislative  aspects  of  the  Temperance  crusade  have  been  in  a 
great  measure  lost  to  view  and  the  issue  has  been  greatly  con- 
fused. May  a better  day  soon  dawn  ! 

The  Channel  Islands. — In  both  Guernsey  and  Jersey  there 
has  been  a great  improvement,  from  the  Temperance  standpoint, 
during  the  past  twenty  years.  Both  Islands  enjoy  a substantial 
measure  of  Local  Option  in  reference  to  new  licences,  which  is 
repeatedly  in  operation,  and  a strong  effort  is  being  made  to 
secure  a direct  popular  vote  over  both  new  and  old  licences. 
Treating  has  been  made  illegal  “ either  before,  during,  or  after 
a public  election,”  and  legislation  is  proposed  to  close  all  liquor 
saloons  on  the  day  of  elections.  The  local  Temperance  Federa- 
tion, consisting  of  the  Good  Templars,  W.  W.C.T.U. , and  others, 
defeated  a proposal  to  introduce  the  so-called  ‘‘disinterested 
management  ” into  the  Islands. 

The  Isle  of  Man. — Many  efforts  have  been  made  to  secure 
more  drastic  Temperance  legislation  in  the  Isle  of  Man,  but  these 
have  been  defeated  by  the  privileged  Legislative  Assembly  and 
the  Governor.  The  House  of  Keys  (the  popularly  elected  Par- 
liament) is  overwhelmingly  in  favour  of  some  legislative  changes 
in  reference  to  the  Liquor  Traffic,  and  has  twice  defeated  pro- 
posals for  establishing  so-called  ‘‘  disinterested  management.” 
The  last  time  this  particular  proposal  was  before  the  House  of 
Keys  (February,  1913)  the  vote  was — For,  4;  and  Against,  18. 
A large  majority  of  the  members  of  the  House  of  Keys  are  total 
abstainers. 


4o 


The  North  Sea.— For  very  many  years  a number  of  floating 
liquor  shops  called  “ Coopers  ” plied  their  nefarious  traffic 
among  the  fishermen  of  the  North  Sea.  The  loss  of  life  and 
property,  and  other  evils  arising  from  this  traffic  became  so 
great  that  an  International  Convention  to  consider  the  matter 
was  held  at  The  Hague,  Holland,  in  1887.  At  the  conclusion 
of  the  Convention  the  following  official  statement  was  issued  : — 
“ llie  six  Powers  bordering  on  the  North  Sea,  viz..  Great 
“ Britain,  France,  Belgium,  Holland,  Germany,  and  Denmark, 
“ have  come  to  an  international  agreement  w'hich  applies  po  that 
“ part  of  the  North  Sea  which  is  outside  territorial  limits.  (Inside 
“ territorial  waters  each  country  can  make  its  own  laws.)  The 
“ arrangement  is  shortly  as  follows  : — 

“ The  sale  of  spirits  to  fishermen  and  other  persons  on 
“ board  the  fishing  vessels  is  prohibited.  Fishermen  are  equally 
“ forbidden  to  buy  spirits.  Idle  exchange  or  barter  for  spirits 
“ of  any  article,  especially  the  fish  caught,  nets,  or  any  part  of 
“ the  gear  or  ‘ equipage  ’ of  the  fishing  boat,  is  also  prohibited. 
“ Vessels  which  ply  on  the  North  Sea  for  the  purpose  of  selling 
“ to  fishermen  other  articles  (not  spirits)  will  have  to  be  licensed 
“ by  the  Government  of  their  own  country,  and  to  be  liable  to 
“ strict  regulations  with  the  object  of  insuring  their  not  having 
“ spirits  on  board  for  sale. 

“ The  six  countries  engage  to  propose  to  their  respective 
“ Legislatures  laws  to  carry  this  arrangement  into  effect,  and  to 
“ punish  those  who  do  not  conform  to  it.” 

Each  of  the  countries  speedily  agreed  to  the  findings  of  the 
Convention  and  the  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  on  the  North 
Sea  went  into  effect  in  November,  1887.  The  benefits  arising 
from  this  international  agreement  has  been  repeatedly  testified 
to  by  all  concerned  in  the  welfare  of  the  men  and  the  fishing 
industry. 


CHAPTER  HI 


Denmark  and  its  Dependencies 

“ Our  land  is  not  to  the  same  extent  as  ten  or  twenty  years  ago  the 
schnapsland  par  excellence  ’ as  it  has  been  called  in  the  past  ; the  drinking 
of  brandy  has  diminished  by  several  per  cent,  and  the  use  of  light  beers, 
under  2%  per  cent,  alcohol,  is  increasing,  while  the  strong  beers,  of  4 to  6 
per  cent,  alcohol,  are  losing  ground.  When  the  local  veto  law  is  passed,  as 
it  will  be,  we  in  Denmark  will  sweep  out  all  brandy  retailers  in  the  country  ; 
and  then  the  turn  will  come  to  the  towns  and  cities,  for  8 per  cent,  of  our 
whole  population,  and  I think  the  eighth  part  of  the  grown-up  persons,  belong 
to  total  abstinence  unions,  besides  all  those  who  are  in  no  such  union,  but 
never  take  a glass  of  strong  drink.  In  this  feeling,  in  this  spirit,  we  seek  to 
solve  this  question  to  help  the  tempted  by  taking  off  the  temptation." 

Rev.  N,  C.  Dalhoff,  Chevalier  of  the  Dannehrog,  Copenhagen  ( 1909 ). 


Prohibition  has  made  wonderful  advance  in  the  three 
principal  dependencies  of  Denmark,  and  even  the  mother  country 
is  becoming  more  and  more  awake  to  the  evils  of  the  liquor 
traffic.  The  Faroe  Islands  have  banished  the  traffic  by  a popular 
vote;  Iceland,  by  an  act  of  its  Island  Parliament,  supported  by 
a popular  vote,  and  with  the  sanction  of  the  King  of  Denmark, 
has  prohibited  the  manufacture,  importation  and  sale  of  alco- 
holic liquors ; while  Greenland  has  a most  thorough  and 
efficient  Prohibition  law  in  force. 

Denmark. — The  basic  principle  upon  which  the  licensing 
laws  have  been  established  date  from  a time  long  before  the 
establishment  of  any  Temperance  movement.  The  spread  of 
Temperance  organisations  and  a rising  public  opinion  for  reform 
caused  the  Government  in  1903  to  ask  Parliament  to  appoint  a 
Commission  to  consider  the  licensing  laws  with  a view  to 
some  improvements.  The  Commission — composed  of  Temper- 
ance workers  and  opponents — having  considered  the  question — 
unanimously  agreed  that  reforms  were  necessary.  They 
recommended  that  the  number  of  saloons  should  be  reduced  in 
Towns  and  Cities  to  a fixed  maximum,  as  the  proprietors  die, 
and  that  under  certain  conditions  the  Municipalities  might  still 
further  reduce  the  number.  In  the  Country  areas  the  Com- 
mission recommended  that  Local  Option  should  be  adopted,!  by 
which  by  a two-thirds  majority  of  the  people,  men  and  women 
should  have  power  to  prevent  the  opening  of  any  new  liquor 
shops,  and  to  abolish  old  licences  upon  the  death  of  the  pro- 


42 


prietor,  or  if  he  sells  to  another  person.  It  was  recommended 
that  the  licensing  laws  should  come  up  for  revision  every  five 
years. 

A Government  Bill  embodying  these  recommendations  was 
introduced  into  the  Folketingel  (Lower  House)  on  January  17th, 
1908,  but  failed  to  become  law.  In  1909  this  measure  was 
again  introduced,  and  adjourned  until  1910,  when  it  was  adopted 
by  the  Lower  House  by  74  votes  against  ONE.  Some  amend- 
ments to  the  Commission  recommendations  were  adopted,  the 
chief  being  that  a majority  in  each  parish — but  not  less  than 
25  per  cent. — was  substituted  for  the  two-thirds  majority.  The 
measure  failed  to  pass  through  the  Landsting  (Upper  House). 
A petition  signed  by  nearly  450,000  men  and  women  (more  than 
half  of  the  adult  population)  in  favour  of  the  measure  was  pre- 
sented to  Herr  P.  Munch,  the  Minister  for  the  Interior,  who  not 
only  had  charge  of  the  Bill,  but  was  the  absolute  sovereign  in 
all  licensing  matters.  When  the  measure  was  rejected  by  the 
Upper  House,  Herr  Munch  said  : — 

“ Although  this  measure  is  defeated,  I will  arrange  for  a 
“ vote  to  be  taken  in  the  parishes,  and  in  every  case  1 will  give 
“ my  decision  in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of  the  people.” 

Mr.  Larsen-Ledet,  who  has  done  so  much  for  the  move- 
ment in  Denmark,  Editor  of  the  great  daily  Temperance  news- 
paper, Reform,  says  : — 

‘‘Local  Veto  thus  stands,  and  will  stand;  that  is  the 
‘‘  victory,  and  the  traffickers  foam.  Our  next  demand  is  for  a 
‘‘  plebiscite  for  or  against  National  Prohibition.” 

Through  the  action  of  Mr.  Ledet  and  his  friends,  with  the 
active  co-operation  of  Mr.  Ledet’s  daily  paper,  a number  of 
contests  have  taken  place  every  year  since  1907,  with  the  follow- 
ing gratifying  results  : — 


Year. 

For  Prohibition. 
Parishes.  Voters. 

Agfainst  Prohibition. 
Parishes.  Voters. 

1907 

12 

3.920 

-> 

320 

190S 

.30 

10,612 

■> 

1 . 155 

1909 

24 

7.560 

0 

977 

1910 

36 

7.760 

5 

2,584 

1911 

29 

7.911 

10 

4,020 

1912 

21 

4.195 

0 

1,221 

1913  (to  June) 

27 

7.172 

8 

3.771 

Totals 

...  179 

49.130 

27 

14,048 

Two  successive 

Governments 

having 

failed  to 

secure  the 

passage  of  any  new  licensing  law,  owing  to  the  opposition  of  the 
Upper  House  of  Parliament.  A Committee,  representing  both 


43 


Houses  was  appointed  to  consider  the  question.  This  Com- 
mittee spent  a considerable  amount  of  time  in  dealing  with  the 
matter,  and  eventually  a compromise  Bill  was  agreed  upon  and 
presented  to  Parliament  and  passed.  The  new  law  fails  to  give 
the  people  a direct  popular  vote  over  the  liquor  traffic,  but  in 
other  ways  the  new  law  is  considered  to  be  an  improvement. 

In  reference  to  this  new  law,  Mr.  Larsen-Ledet  says  : — ^ 

“ We  did  not  get  Local  Option.  The  Upper  House  said 
“ ‘ No,’  and  at  last  we  were  obliged  to  take  what  we  could  get. 
“ The  new  law  refers  all  licensing  matters  to  the  town  or  parish 
“Councils  (both  elected  by  universal  suffrage).  The  Councils 
“ all  over  the  country  have  now  discussed  the  question,  and 
“ their  decisions  show  that  Temperance  sentiment  is  much 
“greater  than  we  had  thought.  We  have  1,138  Parish  Coun- 
‘ ‘ cils ; eight  of  them  have  decided  that  new  licences  shall  be 
“given  for  life,  some  say  ten  years,  but  the  great  majority  of 
“ the  Councils  have  decided  that  no  licence  is  to  be  given  for 
“ more  than  five  years.  That  means  : the  liquor  traffic  has  the 
“ rope  about  its  neck.  Further,  I feel  sure  that  not  many  of  the 
“ Councils  will  give  any  licences  before  a general  vote  of  the 
“ people  is  taken.  The  Upper  House  could  take  Local  Option 
“ out  of  the  Bill,  but  it  cannot  take  it  out  of  the  people’s  heart. 
“ The  law  says  that  the  Councils  can  fix  a limit  of  age  under 
“ which  spirits  cannot  be  sold  to  young  men  and  women.  The 
“ limit  fixed  by  the  majority  of  the  Councils  is  from  18  to  20 
“ years  of  age.  The  Councils  can  also  fix  the  closing  hours  of 
“public-houses,  and  the  majority  have  decided  that  the  houses 
“ must  be  closed  from  eight  to  ten  hours  during  the  day  and 
“ night.  The  Temperance  Party  of  Denmark  say  they  must 
“ be  closed  the  whole  twenty-four  hours.  As  far  as  we  can  see 
“ at  present,  every  election  to  the  Councils  will  be  largely  fought 
“ on  this  issue,  and  the  liquor  traffic  will  have  less  and  less 
“liberty  of  action.  In  a few  years  we  will  get  a new  State- 
“ constitution.  The  Government  Bill  is  now  before  Parliament. 
“ This  new  constitution  will  give  every  man  and  woman,  over  25 
“years  of  age,  a vote  to  send  representatives  to  both  Houses, 
“ and  nobody  will  have  more  than  one  vote.  That  will  mean  a 
“great  step  forward  to  State  Prohibition.” 

The  granting  of  liquor  licences  will  now  be  made  by  the 
Parish  Councils,  the  members  of  which  are  elected  by  the  people 
who  are  on  the  register  of  voters ; these  include  both  men  and 
women.  Indirectly  therefore  the  people  have  secured  some 
measure  of  Local  Option  over  the  liquor  traffic.  The  first  elec- 
tions for  the  Councils  under  the  new  law  took  place  in  March, 
1913,  and  resulted  in  178  total  abstaining  candidates  being 
elected  in  the  towns,  and  an  overwhelming  majority  in  the  rural 


44 


parishes.  The  Councils  have  since  met  and  determined  their 
policy  in  reference  to  the  liquor  traffic.  In  all  the  towns  except 
five  it  has  been  decided  to  reduce  the  number  of  public-houses 
to  a fixed  maximum,  and  to  grant  no  new  licences  until  this  num- 
ber has  been  secured.  In  the  rural  parishes  nine  out  of  every  ten 
are  reported  to  be  taking  drastic  action  against  the  liquor  traffic. 

In  the  towns  of  Denmark  there  are  some  3,600  public- 
houses,  and  by  the  decision  of  the  Councils  over  900  have  been 
closed,  and  in  addition  over  500  clubs  have  been  closed  where 
intoxicating  liquors  have  been  sold,  the  Councils  having  refused 
to  issue  any  licences  for  these  places.  The  proprietors  of  inns 
have  also  been  prohibited  from  selling  spirits  to  any  except  those 
who  are  proved  to  be  bona-fide  travellers. 

The  maximum  number  of  licences  fixed  by  the  towns  varied 
very  greatly.  Four  have  fixed  the  number  at  one  public-house 
for  200  to  300  inhabitants;  65  for  350  to  500;  and  seven  for  600 
to  1,000.  Four  towns  and  two  counties  have  determined  that  no 
child  under  16  years  of  age  shall  be  supplied  with  alcoholic 
liquors.  Three  towns  and  two  counties  have  fixed  the  age  at  17, 
and  17  towns  and  69  counties  have  fixed  the  age  at  18. 

The  Parliamentary  elections  for  members  to  the  Lower 
House  (the  Folketing)  were  held  in  May,  1913,  and  resulted  in 
a considerable  gain  to  the  Temperance  party.  Of  the  114  mem- 
bers elected,  34  are  total  abstainers,  a gain  of  eight,  and  80  of 
the  members  have  pledged  themselves  to  support  a national 
plebiscite  on  the  question  of  National  Prohibition.  Others,  who 
are  in  favour  of  a National  Plebiscite,  request  that  a commission 
of  inquiry  into  the  liquor  traffic  should  first  be  held. 

The  sentiment  in  favour  of  Prohibition  is  becoming  stronger 
and  stronger  in  every  part  of  the  country  and  among  all  classes 
of  society.  The  Radical  party,  which  forms  the  Government 
party,  has  unanimously  resolved  to  ask  for  a Parliamentary 
Commission,  but  they  have  also  unanimously  agreed  with  the 
Social  Democratic  party  to  support  the  demand  for  a national 
plebiscite  on  the  question  of  National  Prohibition.  A number 
of  labour  organisations,  small  farmers,  and  farm  labourers,  have 
unanimously  resolved  to  work  in  favour  of  National  Prohibition. 

The  Temperance  organisations  are,  however,  very  far  from 
being  satisfied  with  the  new  law,  and  already  an  agitation  is  being 
organised  for  an  alteration,  especially  for  power  to  prohibit  the 
Hquor  traffic  altogether.  Denmark  had  in  1911  a population  of 
2,757,016,  of  whom  about  150,000  are  subscribing  members  of 
the  various  Temperance  Societies.  The  Rigsdag  (National 
Parliament)  consists  of  two  chambers,  the  Upper  with  66 


45 


members,  and  the  Lower  with  114  members,  of  whom  34  are 
known  to  be  total  abstainers. 

Faroe  Islands. — By  the  Treaty  of  Vienna  of  1814,  the 
Faroe  Islands  became  part  of  the  Kingdom  of  Denmark, 
although  in  fact  they  had  really  been  Danish  from  1366.  The 
Islands  have  for  very  many  years  had  their  local  Parliament, 
the  Lagthing,  and  in  addition  the  people  send  one  representa- 
tive to  the  Rigsdag  at  Copenhagen.  In  March,  1907,  an  Act 
was  unanimously  passed  by  the  Lagthing,  and  received  the 
hearty  approval  of  the  King  of  Denmark,  by  which  every  parish 
of  the  seventeen  inhabited  islands  out  of  the  twenty-five,  was 
given  the  power  of  suppress  the  sale  of  Intoxicating  liquors. 
The  vote  was  immediately  taken  and  showed  that  in  every  parish 
there  was  an  overwhelming  majority  in  favour  of  Prohibition. 
In  several  of  the  parishes  there  was  not  a single  vote  in  favour 
of  the  liquor  traffic.  The  total  vote  was  as  follows  : — 


For  Prohibition  i)54i 

Against  Prohibition  64 

Majority  for  i)477 


In  consequence  of  this  vote  the  whole  of  the  liquor  shops 
were  closed  on  January  ist,  1908.  Although  the  population 
on  these  Islands  is  only  about  20,000,  this  number  is  greatly 
increased  during  the  fishing  season  by  the  addition  of  a number 
of  fishermen  and  others  from  Scandinavia  and  Great  Britain, 
who  visit  the  Islands  for  business  purposes.  In  former  times 
there  was  a great  amount  of  drunkenness,  both  among  the 
natives  and  the  visitors.  All  this  is  now  altered.  Pastor  Arthur 
Brend  stated  in  1911,  after  three  years  of  Prohibition  : — 

“ The  difference  now  is  most  marked.  We  no  longer 
“ witness  the  blasphemous  drinking  orgies  that  were  provoked 
“on  exciting  occasions  simply  by  the  facilities  for  purchasing 
“ intoxicating  liquors.  The  Prohibition  now  in  force  is  abso- 
“ lutely  genuine.  It  is  no  use  to  say  that  Prohibition  cannot 
“ prohibit,  for  if  any  student  of  the  problem  wants  to  .see  that 
“ Prohibition  can  and  does  prohibit,  just  send  him  to  the  Faroes. 
“ The  drink  trade  as  a trade  is  utterly  banished.  Of  course, 
“ anyone  who  wishes  to  import  liquor  can  do  so,  but  only  for 
“ his  own  private  use.  He  must  not  sell  it  to  others  or  trade 
“ with  it  in  any  way.  The  new  law  is  rigid  concerning  this,  so 
“ that  there  are  practically  no  violations.” 

During  this  year  (1913)  another  vote  will  be  taken,  but 
there  is  no  doubt  as  to  the  result,  for  the  people,  it  is  stated, 
have  become  so  prosperous  and  contented,  that  there  is  really 
no  one  bold  enough  to  advocate  a return  to  the  old  bad  days 


46 


of  the  common  selling  of  intoxicating  liquors.  The  people  have 
learned  wisdom  under  the  beneficent  regime  of  Prohibition. 

Greenland. — This  is  a vast  Island-Continent  largely  within 
the  Arctic  Circle.  The  inhabitable  portion  is  under  the  authority 
of  the  Kingdom  of  Denmark,  while  the  trade  is  a monopoly  of 
the  Danish  Crown.  The  population  in  igii  was  12,968,  of  whom 
about  400  were  Europeans  and  the  remainder  Eskimos.  The 
Government  is  in  the  hands  of  Parish  Parliaments  and  the 
Danish  Rigsdag.  Both  the  local  and  national  authorities  have 
prohibited  the  importation  of  any  kind  of  intoxicating  liquors ; 
in  fact  the  introduction  of  spirits  for  any  purpose  whatever  is 
made  a penal  offence.  Every  Parish  has  an  inspector,  and  no 
one  is  permitted  to  land  at  any  place  without  a special  permit. 
The  inspectors  report  that  the  laws  respecting  intoxicating 
liquors  are  thoroughly  enforced,  and  that  very  few  attempts  are 
made  to  smuggle  such  liquors  into  the  country,  first  because 
there  is  no  demand,  and  second  because  the  penalties  are  so  verj' 
severe. 

Iceland. — A very  large  portion  of  Iceland  is  uninhabitable, 
a vast  area  is  practically  covered  with  glaciers  and  lava  beds. 
There  are  no  large  cities  or  towns,  and  the  farms  are  few  and 
far  apart.  The  population  in  1911  was  85,089,  of  whom  7,500 
were  located  in  Reykjavik,  the  capital.  There  are  no  railways, 
the  principal  mode  of  travel  being  on  horseback.  .All  bread- 
stuffs  have  to  be  imported,  but  potatoes  are  grown  in  some  parts. 
The  chief  industries  are  connected  with  cattle,  sheep  and  horse 
breeding,  together  with  the  produce  from  the  fisheries,  .\lthough 
an  inseparable  part  of  the  Kingdom  of  Denmark  since  1397, 
Iceland  has  its  own  local  Parliament — the  .\lthing — which  con- 
sists of  34  representatives  elected  by  the  people  and  six  repre- 
sentatives appointed  by  the  Crown.  The  Danish  Resident 
Minister  is  also  a member  of  the  .-Althing.  The  history  of  Tem- 
perance among  these  people  is  of  very  recent  date,  very  little 
effort  having  been  put  forth  either  for  total  abstinence  or  Tem- 
perance reform  until  the  introduction  of  the  International  Order 
of  Good  Templars  in  1884.  Since  that  date  wonderful  progress 
has  been  made.  Thousands  of  persons  have  become  total  ab- 
stainers, and  several  earnest  Temperance  reformers  have  been 
elected  as  members  of  the  Althing.  In  1899  the  whole  of  the 
old  licensing  laws  were  repealed  and  an  entirely  new  system 
established.  By  the  new  law  the  manufacture  of  intoxicating 
liquors  was  prohibited  as  from  the  ist  of  Januar}-,  1900.  No 
person  under  the  age  of  16  was  permitted  to  be  served  with 
intoxicating  liquors,  and  treating  or  selling  on  credit  was  strictlv 


47 


forbidden.  A system  of  high  licence  was  introduced,  with  a very 
complicated  method  of  local  option.  Some  good  followed  this, 
but  the  evil  still  remained,  so  that  an  earnest  appeal  went  from 
the  people  to  their  elected  representatives  demanding  the  total 
suppression  of  the  liquor  traffic.  In  1905  a Bill  was  introduced 
into  the  Althing  providing  for  the  entire  prohibition  of  the  im- 
portation and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  After  some  con- 
sideration it  was  resolved  to  refer  the  whole  matter  to  a special 
committee  to  investigate  and  report.  The  following  is  a full 
translation  of  the  remarkable  report  which  this  committee  pre- 
sented to  the  Althing,  and  which  that  body  unanimously 
adopted : — 

“ Report  of  the  Committee  about  the  Bill  for  the 
Prohibition  of  Alcohol. 

“ The  Committee  which  was  appointed  to  consider  this  Bill 
“is  in  harmony  with  the  idea  that  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors 
“ is  of  no  advantage  to  society,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  causes 
“great  misery,  as  it  is  generally  accompanied  by  squandering 
“ money,  loss  of  work,  poor  health  and  offences  against  decency 
“ and  morals  to  a great  extent  when  the  community  as  a whole 
“ is  considered. 

“Other  nations  are  also,  one  after  the  other,  becoming 
“ conscious  of  this  evil,  so  that  doctors  and  political  economists 
“ are  forced  to  acknowledge  that  this  evil  is  the  greatest  burden 
“ that  can  be  put  upon  any  nation.  In  many  parts  of  the  world 
the  great  effort  is  to  exterminate  the  liquor  traffic.  The  public 
“ generally  are  becoming  aroused  to  the  fact  that  the  use  of 
“ alcohol  is  detrimental  both  to  the  physical  and  mental  faculties 
“ and  strongly  desire  to  destroy  the  old-fashioned  but  distorted 
“ opinion  that  the  moderate  use  of  alcohol  is  upon  the  whole 
“ harmless  and  even  useful.  All  reforms  must  have  a beginning, 
“ and  unless  a strong  effort  is  made  by  the  majority  of  sober, 
“ thinking  people  to  convince  men  and  women  that  unless  they 
“ cease  using  alcoholic  liquors  the  liquor  traffic  will  never  be 
“ uprooted.  Alcohol,  as  well  as  other  intoxicants  (for  instance, 
“ opium),  have  a captivating  effect,  and  create  a strong  craving 
“ for  their  use,  and  will  be  procured  as  long  as  they  are  sold.  The 
“ experience  has  already  revealed  that  the  only  certain  means 
“to  hinder  the  use  of  alcohol  to  any  extent  is  to  reduce  the 
“ number  of  places  where  it  is  sold.  And  the  only  means  to 
“ uproot  altogether  the  use  of  alcohol  is  to  forbid  the  prepara- 
“ tion  and  importation,  and  withdraw  all  sale  of  it. 

“ We  Icelanders  are  used  to  follow  in  the  steps  of  other 
“ nations  in  our  progression.  But  in  this  case  we  are  further 
“ on  the  way  than  most  of  them.  This  progressive  struggle, 
“the  abstinence  struggle,  commenced  mainly  in  this  countrv 


48 


“ about  twenty  years  ago.  Since  then  it  has  constantly  been  the 
“ strong  endeavour  to  enlighten  the  public  about  the  hurtfulness 
“ of  the  use  of  alcohol.  The  Althing  has  contributed  to  this  effort 
“ with  pecuniary  aid,  and  at  the  same  time  has  made  several  laws 
“ with  the  aim  of  restricting  the  sale  of  alcohol.  If  nothing  had 
“ been  done  in  this  direction  then  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  sale 
“ of  alcoholic  liquors  would  have  increased  a great  deal,  because 
“ trading  stations  have  become  numerous,  and  communications 
“ have  increased  considerably.  In  the  year  1891  we  had  39 
“ trading  stations,  and  in  these  there  were  139  shops,  but  in 
“ 1903  the  trading  stations  had  increased  to  282.  If  all  the 
“ business  houses  at  these  stations  sold  alcohol  the  use  of  it 
“would  be  a great  deal  more  than  it  is  now;  it  has  rather 
“ diminished  than  increased  in  these  last  decades.  The  laws 
“ that  came  into  force  on  the  loth  February,  1888,  about  inn 
“ licences  and  the  sale  of  alcohol,  were  a great  help.  They  limited 
“ in  various  ways  the  sale  and  hindered  the  increase  of  public- 
“ houses.  By  the  laws  that  come  into  force  on  November  nth, 
“ 1899,  about  licensing  and  the  sale  of  alcohol,  a large  progress 
“ was  made  toward  decreasing  in  number  the  places  where  alcohol 
“ was  sold,  and  by  this  the  sale  of  spirits  has  been  less  every 
“ year  since  these  laws  came  into  force.  In  the  year  1899  alcohol 
“ was  sold  at  54  trading  stations  in  this  country,  but  now,  in 
“ 1905,  as  far  as  we  know,  aclohol  is  sold  only  at  12  trading 
“ stations,  and  there  are  in  all  30  shops  which  sell  spirits.  .At 
“ the  same  time  there  are  now  not  more  than  five  or  six  licensed 
“ innkeepers  in  the  whole  country.  Furthermore,  all  manufacture 
“ of  intoxicating  liquors  is  prohibited  in  the  country  by  the  law 
“ which  came  into  force  in  January,  1900. 

“ Our  nation  in  this  way  is  further  on  than  most  nations, 
“ but  the  difficulties  are  also  considerably  less  here  than  many 
“ other  places.  As  far  as  the  means  of  subsistence  are  con- 
“ cerned,  there  is  no  particular  reason  why  all  sale  of  alcohol 
“ should  not  be  cut  off  in  this  country.  Here  it  Is  therefore  easy 
“ to  avail  ourselves  of  the  only  means  of  exterminating  the  evil 
“ consequences  of  the  liquor  traffic  by  prohibiting  the  importa- 
“ tion  of  alcoholic  liquors.  We  are  conscious  of  the  many 
“ objections  against  such  an  act,  and  we  shall,  therefore,  give 
“ our  opinion  upon  the  most  frequent  objections.  It  is  said  that 
“ Prohibition  is  not  necessary,  that  the  laws  now  In  force  will 
“ in  time  mostly  uproot  the  use  of  alcohol,  and  if  that  fails  then 
“ we  could  forbid  the  sale  of  it.  But  we  are  of  opinion  that  the 
“ only  effective  remedy  for  its  extermination  is  to  forbid  the 
“ importation  of  all  intoxicating  liquors  and  to  grant  no  licences. 
“ It  is  a frequent  objection  that  the  public  treasun,-  cannot  stand 
“ the  loss  brought  on  it  By  losing  this  source  of  revenue.  But 
“ what  is  the  public  treasury  rather  than  a joint  property  of  the 
“ nation?  How  can  it  be  counted  an  advantage  to  the  societv  to 


49 


“ squander  large  sums  of  money  to  its  own  evil,  though  the 
“ public  treasury  is  gaining  something  by  it?  In  the  year  1901 
“the  importation  of  alcohol  amounted  to  511,000  kroners 
“ (;^28,650  or  $143,250).  If  there  is  added  to  this  waste  of  money 
“ all  the  indirect  financial  loss  resulting  from  the  use  of  alcohol, 
“ then  it  is  quite  safe  to  affirm  that  the  use  of  alcoholic  liquors 
“costs  the  nation  at  least  one  million  kroners  a year  (;^56,250 
“ $281,250).  This  is  the  loss,  then;  but  instead  of  this  sum  the 
“ public  treasury  only  gets  about  100,000  kroners  a year 
“ (^5,625  or  $28,125).  It  therefore  evident  that  it  would  be 
“ a manifold  benefit  for  society  to  rid  itself  of  this  great  evil. 
“ It  would  be  better  for  the  whole  nation  both  morally  and 
“ financially  were  the  loss  of  the  liquor  profit  to  the  treasury 
“ made  up  by  the  increase  of  taxation  on  other  goods.  But  it  is 
“ granted  that  the  importation  of  other  goods  liable  to  duty 
“would  increase  a great  deal  if  the  importation  of  alcohol  was 
“ cut  off.  Therefore  it  is  likely  that  it  would  not  be  necessary 
“ to  raise  the  duties  to  any  serious  amount  to  compensate  the 
“ public  treasury  for  the  loss. 

“ Now  we  will  finally  turn  to  the  objection  which  is  most 
“ maintained,  and  it  is  that  Prohibition  of  alcohol  is  a breach  of 
“ personal  liberty,  and  that  such  laws  would  consequently  be 
“ disregarded  and  not  have  the  desired  effect.  We  cannot 
“ approve  of  this  opinion.  All  social  order  rests  on  one  founda- 
“ tion — common  interests.  From  this  starting  point  social  order 
“ decrees  various  limitations  of  liberty.  Without  such  limitations 
“ no  social  life  could  exist.  Along  with  social  protection  must 
“always  be  social  duties.  If  society  considers  it  necessary 
“ to  make  laws  with  the  aim  of  decreasing  or  uprooting  some 
“ national  evil,  whether  it  is  a contagious  disease,  immoderate 
“ use  of  alcohol,  or  anything  else,  yet  we  consider  it  every  man’s 
“ duty  to  submit  to  necessary  regulations,  even  if  they  are  con- 
“ sidered  strict.  When  the  public  good  is  at  stake  everyone 
“ must  submit.  Most  sanitary  laws  contain  regulations  which 
“ limit  a personal  independence  more  than  the  prohibition  of  the 
“ use  of  alcohol  would  do;  nevertheless  we  are  very  well  aware 
“ that  there  are  personal  rights  which  ought  to  be  inviolate,  as 
“ liberty  of  speech  and  opinion,  but  we  do  not  agree  that  the 
“ liberty  of  using  alcohol  is  so  valuable  that  it  may  not  be 
“ abridged.  As  all  sale  of  opium  is  prohibited  except  by 
“ doctor’s  orders,  without  which  it  is  not  allowed  to  be  procured, 
“ though  some  of  the  great  nations  use  it  a great  deal,  likewise 
“we  consider  that  the  importation  and  sale  of  alcohol  ought  to 
“be  strongly  prohibited,  as  detrimental  use  of  opium  is  not 
“ known  here,  but  the  injurious  use  of  alcohol  is  very  common. 
“ The  laws  now  in  force  about  brewing  and  selling  of  intoxi- 
“ eating  liquors  limit  a great  deal  of  the  people’s  liberty  con- 
“ cerning  the  use  of  alcohol.  If  this  limitation  is  legitimate, 


50 


“ then  the  extermination  must  be  legitimate  also.  Nevertheless, 
“ we  consider  it  right  and  prudent  that  this  question  should  be 
“ determined  by  the  majority  of  the  people — of  at  least  two- 
“ thirds.  When  such  is  the  result  then  we  believe  that  Prohibition 
“ will  have  the  desired  effect.  It  is  now  known  that  the  national 
“ desire  in  this  country  is  inclined  to  Prohibition,  and  it  is  the 
“ opinion  of  many  who  are  best  acquainted  with  this  case,  that 
“ there  is  a majority  in  favour  of  it.  Therefore  we  consider  that 
“ a vote  should  be  taken  on  this  question,  and  that  the  Govern- 
“ ment  should  command  and  direct  the  arrangements  for 
“ the  voting.  Having  consulted  the  governing  body  of  the 
“ International  Order  of  Good  Templars,  who  are  well 
“ acquainted  with  public  opinion  on  this  question,  they  have  told 
“ us  that  it  would  be  desirable  that  such  voting  should  take  place 
“ in  the  spring  of  1907.  We  make  that  our  proposal,  and  that 
“ the  voting  take  place  at  the  poor  law  district  assemblies  in  the 
“ country  and  the  civil  meetings  in  the  towns,  the  Government 
“to  issue  precise  directions.” 

The  committee  which  signed  this  very  valuable  report  con- 
sisted of  Judge  Gudmundson  (President),  Dr.  Bjornsson,  Banker 
Gunnarsson,  the  Rev.  Arni  Jonsson,  and  the  Rev.  Mangus 
Andresson. 

The  Althing  unanimously  adopted  the  report,  but  altered 
the  date  of  taking  the  vote  from  1907  to  1908. 

The  contest  was  immediately  entered  upon  by  both  the  Tem- 
perance and  Liquor  parties  under  very  difficult  conditions.  When 
it  is  remembered  that  Iceland  has  such  scanty  means  of  com- 
munication, with  farms  ten  and  twelve  miles  apart,  with  no 
popular  gatherings  to  raise  the  enthusiasm,  or  even  the  ordinary 
public  meeting  in  many  parts  to  enlighten  the  people  and 
organise  them  for  the  contest,  it  is  marvellous  how  the  Temper- 
ance people  covered  the  country  with  sound  information  and 
won  a great  victory  for  Prohibition.  The  voting  took  place  on 
September  loth,  1908,  and  the  result  was  as  follows  : — 


For  Prohibition  4.645 

Against  Prohibition  3.181 

Majority  for  1,464 


The  victory  was  celebrated  by  great  rejoicings  throughout 
the  country,  and  on  January  loth,  1909,  special  ser\ices  were 
held  in  the  State  Churches,  at  which  the  Te  Deum  was  sung  by 
the  people  in  thankfulness  for  the  triumph  over  the  liquor  traffic. 
A Bill  was  immediately  introduced  into  the  Althing  giving  effect 
to  the  vote,  and  this  Bill,  prohibiting  the  manufacture,  importa- 
tion and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  which  contained  more  than 


51 


two  per  cent,  of  alcohol,  was  passed.  A deputation  was 
appointed  to  wait  upon  the  King  of  Denmark  to  secure  His 
Majesty’s  approval  of  the  new  law.  It  has  been  stated  in  the 
public  press  that  when  the  Bill  was  presented  for  his  signature, 
the  King  said  : — 

“ Few,  if  any,  of  my  actions  since  I became  King  have 
“ given  me  more  satisfaction  than  that  of  signing  the  Prohi- 
“ bition  law  for  Iceland,  and  if  the  Parliament  of  Denmark  will 
“ pass  a similar  law,  I shall  be  more  willing  yet  to  approve.” 

When  Prohibition  became  certain  of  being  adopted,  the 
State  Minister  resigned,  declaring  that  in  his  opinion  : 

” If  the  law  is  passed  it  will  be  impossible  to  enforce  it.” 

The  King  accepted  the  resignation  and  appointed  a Good 
Templar,  Mr.  Bjorn  Jonssen,  to  fill  the  vacancy.  In  taking  up 
the  office  of  Prime  Minister,  Mr.  Jonssen  declared  ; — 

“ I hope  the  Prohibition  law  will  be  the  first  law  I shall 
‘‘  have  to  sign  as  Minister.”  And  it  was. 

No  sooner  was  the  Prohibition  law  placed  upon  the 
Statute  Book  than  the  liquor  party  began  an  agitation  for  its 
repeal,  and  brought  before  the  Althing  a demand  for  another 
plebiscite  upon  the  question,  but  on  all  points  they  have  so  far 
been  defeated.  It  was  wisely  determined  to  give  the  new  law  a 
fair  and  satisfactory  trial  before  considering  any  amendments 
or  alterations.  The  prohibition  of  the  importation  of  intoxicating 
liquors  went  into  effect  on  the  ist  of  January,  igi2,  but  the  sale 
of  such  liquors  will  be  permitted  until  the  ist  of  January,  1915. 


CHAPTER  IV 


Norway 


“ Of  all  the  countries  in  Europe,  Norway  is  next  to  Finland,  the  one  where 
the  least  amount  of  intoxicating  liquor  is  used.  The  reason  for  this  is  due  in 
great  measure  to  the  enlightened  and  energetic  work  of  the  Temperance 
societies.  In  addition  to  the  Samlags  there  are  three  or  four  licenses  one  of 
which  is  not  attached  to  a person,  but  to  the  estate.  This  is  ‘ Borregaard,’ 
which  is  owned  by  an  English  company.  Can  these  people  be  fully  aware  of 
the  fact  that  they  are  publicans  (brandy  sellers)  in  Norway,  and  that  they  are 
supporting  a business  which  is  a hindrance  and  a curse  to  the  whole 
Norwegian  people  ? ’’ — Arne  Halgjejn,  G,  C.  T.  of  Norway  ( 1910 J, 


There  can  be  no  shadow  of  a doubt  that  the  whole  trend  of 
public  opinion  in  both  Norway  and  Sweden  is  toward  Prohi- 
bition, and  either  country  may  be  the  first  to  put  it  into  operation. 
Whatever  good  may  have  followed  the  establishment  of  the 
Liquor  Company  System  has  long  since  passed.  The  Liquor 
Companies  of  to-day  are  out  to  do  the  greatest  amount  of  trade 
they  can,  and  are  ever  found  fighting  the  Temperance  reformers, 
so  as  to  maintain  their  own  against  the  growing  demands  for 
the  prohibition  of  the  whole  traffic.  The  advanced  position  of 
Prohibition  sentiment  in  Norway  may  be  judged  from  the  fact 
that  the  newspapers  of  other  countries  are  taking  note,  and  re- 
porting the  progress  of  the  agitation.  The  London  Daily  Citizen, 
under  the  heading,  “The  Fight  for  Prohibition  in  Norway,’’  has 
a long  paragraph,  in  which  it  is  stated  : — 

“ A great  movement  for  the  total  prohibition  of  the  traffic 
“ in  alcohol  is  on  foot  in  Norway.  Some  members  of  the  Cabinet 
“ are  themselves  total  abstainers,  and  the  most  prominent  figure 
“ in  the  present-day  political  life  of  Norway,  M.  Castberg, 
“ leader  of  the  Radical  Party,  is  pledged  to  support  the  Pro- 
“ hibition  of  spirits.  Better  still,  a united  action  of  Norwegian 
“ workmen,  in  union  with  their  Continental  comrades,  is  well  in 
“hand  to  counteract  any  attempt  by  capitalistic  influence  to 
“ force  alcohol  on  a people  against  their  will.’’ 

For  several  centuries,  really  down  to  the  middle  of  the  nine- 
teenth century,  the  Norwegians  were  noted  for  their  intemper- 
ance. There  can  be  no  doubt  that  this  was  due  to  the  facilities 
for  obtaining  intoxicating  liquors,  as  practically  no  restraint 
whatever  was  put  upon  the  traffic.  From  i8i6  to  1845,  dis- 
tillation and  selling  were  open  to  everybody  in  the  towns,  and  to 


54 


all  owners  of  taxed  property  in  the  rural  districts.  No  special 
places  were  set  apart  for  the  sale  of  spirits ; almost  every  trades- 
man in  the  country  dealt  in  all  kinds  of  intoxicating  liquors, 
especially  brandvin — a strong  alcoholic  spirit  resembling  gin  and 
whisky.  Under  this  system  of  free  distillation,  a spirit  still  was  set 
up  in  almost  every  home  in  the  country.  The  amount  of  drunken- 
ness was  enormous,  entailing  all  the  horrors  of  alcoholism, 
so  much  so  that  the  Legislature — the  Storting — was  compelled 
to  adopt  repressive  measures  to  prevent  the  utter  demoralisation 
of  the  entire  people.  .-Xn  Act  was  therefore  passed  in  1845  which 
greatly  curtailed  the  right  to  distil  spirits,  and  placed  a heavy 
tax  upon  all  distillers.  From  that  date  distillation  in  the  homes 
of  the  people  ceased  and  sobriety  increased.  This  Act  also  gave 
power  to  the  Municipal  Councils  to  issue  licences  for  the  sale 
of  intoxicating  liquors  and  to  demand  the  payment  of  a licence 
fee.  All  licences  issued  between  that  date  and  1866  were  con- 
sidered to  be  life  licences,  and  if  issued  to  married  persons  would 
continue  to  the  surviving  husband  or  wife,  providing  the  licence 
fee  was  paid  every  year.  The  largest  dealers  in  alcoholic  liquors 
became  the  holders  of  these  licences  ; all  others  were  prohibited 
from  selling.  Merchants  who  had  secured  the  right  to  deal  in 
foreign  goods  under  the  Commercial  Law  of  1842,  were  per- 
mitted to  sell  spirits  in  quantities  of  not  less  than  40  litres.  Wine 
and  foreign  beers  were  dealt  with  in  a similar  manner.  Beer 
brewed  in  Norway,  however,  could  be  sold  without  tax  or  licence. 

By  an  Act  passed  in  1854,  Local  Veto  was  given  to  the 
country  districts,  and  so  extensively  used  that  in  1892  only  27 
licences  for  the  sale  of  spirits  existed  in  the  whole  of  Norway 
outside  the  large  towns ; a remarkable  testimonial  to  the 
determination  of  the  people  when  they  have  the  power  to  free 
themselves  from  the  tyranny  of  the  liquor  traffic.  In  1866  an 
Act  was  passed  which  prohibited  the  issue  of  any  more  life  liquor 
licences  and  gave  power  to  Town  Councils  to  issue  liquor  licences 
for  one  year  only. 

The  growing  popular  opinion  against  the  liquor  traffic 
became  so  persistent,  that  in  1871  the  legislature  again  took  the 
matter  into  their  consideration,  and  an  Act  was  passed  granting 
the  power  of  selling  spirits  to  Spirit  Companies  (Brandevins 
samlag).  These  companies  were  founded  as  joint-stock 
enterprises,  from  which  the  shareholders  were  to  receive  only  five 
per  cent.,  with  no  further  claim  upon  the  surplus  profits.  The 
surplus  profits,  if  any,  were  to  be  distributed  to  public-utility 
purposes  within  the  community  in  which  the  Samlag  existed. 
The  servants  were  to  be  hired  upon  fixed  wages.  Persons  being 
visibly  drunk  were  forbidden  to  buy  intoxicating  liquors,  and  any 


55 


persons  who  were  known  l:o  be  drunkards  were  not  permitted 
to  be  served  at  all.  Those  granted  life  licences  since  1845 
were  still  entitled  to  sell  spirits.  The  number  of  these  licences 
was  decreasing  yearly,  but  those  who  had  been  granted  licences 
under  the  Act  of  1866  for  one  year  only,  were  refused  any 
further  licences.  The  great  decrease  in  the  number  of  places 
licensed  for  the  sale  of  spirits  and  the  strictness  in  the  enforce- 
ment of  the  liquor  laws,  together  with  the  spread  of  total  absti- 
nence among  the  people,  brought  about  a decrease  In  the  con- 
sumption of  spirits  and  a corresponding  increase  in  the  sobriety 
of  all  classes. 

Liquor  Companies  were  formed  in  every  town  in  Norway, 
where  spirit  shops  had  been  established  by  private  persons.  At 
first  there  was  a great  struggle  for  supremacy  between  the  new 
companies  and  those  holding  life  licences.  In  the  end  the  compan- 
ies won,  and  in  the  great  majority  of  cases  the  old  licensees  be- 
came managers  or  servants  of  the  Samlags,  or  else  were  paid  out 
by  the  Liquor  Companies.  Merchants  still  retained  the  right  tO' 
sell  not  less  than  40  litres,  and  there  was  no  alteration  in  the 
law  regarding  the  sale  of  wine  and  beer.  By  an  Act  passed  in 
1882,  no  one  was  permitted  to  sell  wine  or  beer  without  a licence 
from  the  local  Town  Council,  but  upon  appeal  to  the  Supreme 
Court  it  was  decided  in  1884  that  all  persons  retailing  wine  and 
beer  prior  to  the  passing  of  the  Act  had  a life  privilege,  providing 
they  paid  the  tax  and  kept  within  the  rules  laid  down.  In  1904 
an  increased  tax  was  levied  upon  all  beer  and  wine  retailers,  and 
power  was  given  to  start  companies  for  the  sale  of  beer  and 
wine,  the  surplus  profit  to  be  distributed  as  in  the  case  of  the 
spirit  companies.  In  such  cases  the  Town  Councils  have  power 
to  prohibit  any  private  person  selling  beer  and  wine,  except 
those  who  still  retain  their  life  licences. 

The  expectations  of  those  Temperance  reformers  who  sup- 
ported the  establishment  of  Liquor  Companies  do  not  appear  to 
have  been  realised.  Drunkenness  was  still  enormous  and  the 
control  of  the  Liquor  Companies  by  the  local  Councils  and  the 
Police  appears  to  have  been  anything  but  satisfactory.  Consul- 
General  Mitchell,  reporting  to  the  British  Government  from 
Christiania  in  1893,  said  : — 

“ The  original  philanthropic  object  of  the  Associations  has 
“ been  departed  from,  and  the  old  licensed  victualler  has  been 
“ replaced  by  hundreds  of  holders  of  five  per  cent.,  shares, 

“ politically  and  otherwise  interested  in  the  distribution  of  larger 
" surpluses  from  the  sale  of  spirits,  and  by  municipalities  well 
“ content  to  improve  and  embellish  their  towns  without  recourse 
“ to  communal  taxation.” 


56 


Under  these  circumstances  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that 
a demand  went  up  to  the  legislature  for  more  stringent  legisla- 
tion over  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  In  response  to  this 
appeal  an  Act  was  passed  in  1894  extending  Local  Veto  to  the 
towns,  the  voting  to  be  taken  every  six  years  on  a universal 
suffrage,  every  man  and  woman  over  25  years  of  age  to  have 
a vote. 

This  Act  also  provided  that  65  per  cent.,  of  the  surplus  profit 
of  the  Companies  should  be  paid  to  the  Government  for  a public 
life  insurance  fund,  15  per  cent,  for  local  poor  relief,  and  the  bal- 
ance of  20  per  cent,  for  other  local  concerns.  The  merchants’ 
rights  were  also  altered  so  that  they  could  not  sell  less  than  250 
litres  at  one  time.  A tax  of  1,000  Kroners  (about  ;£^56  or  $281) 
was  also  imposed,  to  which  the  merchants  very  much  objected, 
and  by  far  the  larger  number  refused  to  submit,  so  that  this  part 
of  the  traffic  is  now  in  the  hands  of  a very  few  persons.  Towm 
Couiicils  were  also  given  the  power  to  licence  merchants  to  sell 
spirits  by  retail  on  the  payment  of  a fee  of  at  least  10,000  kroners 
(about  ^^562  or  $2,800),  but  this  has  only  been  carried  out  in 
Christiania,  no  one  in  any  of  the  other  towns  being  willing  to 
pay  so  high  an  annual  fee  for  the  privilege. 

When  this  Act  was  passed,  there  was  considerable  trouble 
between  Norway  and  Sweden,  which  eventually  resulted  in 
Norway  becoming  independent  of  Sweden.  This  difficulty  raised 
a great  doubt  as  to  what  action  would  be  taken  by  King  Oscar  II. 
in  reference  to  the  Act.  At  this  time  Alderman  Joseph  Malins, 
the  International  head  of  the  Good  Templars,  was  presented  to 
the  King  at  the  Palace  in  Stockholm,  and  ventured  to  refer  to 
this  important  matter,  to  which  the  King  replied, “We  all  know 
the  evils  that  come  upon  our  people  through  intemperance,  and 
we  shall  all  help  to  remove  those  evils.  As  to  this  Act,  the 
Norwegian  Act,  I have  approved  it.  If  the  people  do  not  want 
these  houses,  let  them  put  them  away.’’ 

There  are  64  towns  in  Norway  in  which  Samlags  have 
existed,  and  in  some  of  these  towns  there  have  been  repeated  con- 
tests between  the  Temperance  party  and  the  liquor  companies. 
In  a table  compiled  by  A.  Th.  Kia^r  (Secretary),  Royal  Statistical 
Bureau,  Christiania,  and  largely  circulated,  the  following  is  given 
as  the  result  of  the  contests  between  1895  and  1904  : — 

Towns  and  Prohibition.  Voters  and  Prohibition.  .Majority 

For.  Against.  For.  Against.  against. 

27  32  139.479  216,399  76,920 

When  it  is  remembered  that  all  votes  not  cast  for  Pro- 
hibition are  recorded  as  being  against,  the  above  figures  are  not 
conclusive  evidence  as  to  the  views  of  the  people  on  the  liquor 


0/ 


question.  In  Christiania  there  was  a total  electorate  of  102,620, 
of  whom  only  18,608  went  to  the  poll  in  favour  of  Prohibition, 
but  the  other  84,012  were  recorded  as  being  against.  Again, 
in  Bergen  there  was  a total  electorate  of  28,762,  of  whom  14,172 
went  to  the  poll  in  favour  of  Prohibition;  the  other  14,590  were 
recorded  as  being  against.  Omitting  Christiania,  but  including 
Bergen,  the  result  of  the  contests  are  as  follows  : — 

Towns  and  Prohibition.  Voters  and  Prohibition.  M^ority 

For.  Against.  For.  Against.  for. 

27  31  139)479  132,387  7,092 

Thus,  counting  all  the  halt,  lame,  sick,  dead,  and  those  away 
from  home  on  business  or  pleasure,  as  against  Prohibition,  there 
was  still  a substantial  majority  of  7,092  in  favour  of  Prohibition. 
At  the  present  time  (1913)  there  are  37  towns  in  which  Prohi- 
bition has  been  adopted.  There  are  27  towns  in  which  the  Sam- 
lags  are  not  yet  prohibited,  but  contests  are  being  held  in  23 
of  these  during  1913,  including  the  larger  centres  of  population 
like  Bergen,  Drammen  and  Kristianssand. 

During  these  contests  a very  singular  difficulty  has  devel- 
oped itself.  It  appears  that  when  the  Samlags  were  voted  out 
of  Sarpsborg  and  Fredriksstad,  it  was  discovered  that  an 
English  paper  company — Messrs.  Partington  and  Co. — had  an 
old  privileged  liquor  licence  which  they  declared  permitted  them 
to  sell  intoxicating  liquors  even  though  the  people  voted  down  the 
Samlags.  With  an  ever-increasing  Prohibition  area,  this  English 
company  developed  an  ever-increasing  liquor  business,  and  put 
an  end  to  any  further  Temperance  legislation  in  Norway  until 
some  means  could  be  devised  to  prohibit  this  privileged 
traffic.  The  President  of  the  Norwegian  Total  Abstinence 
Society,  ex-Minister  Aarrestad,  and  others,  made  earnest  pro- 
tests. Petitions  went  from  the  Good  Templars  and  others  to 
the  Government  demanding  legislation  in  reference  to  this 
matter,  and  in  1909  the  Government  appointed  a Parliamentary 
Committee  to  consider  what  action  should  be  taken.  In  the 
meantime,  appeals  were  sent  to  Messrs.  Partington  and  Co.,  but 
without  success.  In  1910  the  Government  determined  to  test  the 
validity  of  these  privileged  licences  in  the  High  Courts,  with  a 
view,  if  possible,  to  bring  them  to  an  end.  The  result  of  this 
lawsuit  is  expected  at  an  early  date. 

Another  difficulty  arose  in  1910  by  the  action  of  the  French 
Government  in  reference  to  money  matters.  The  need  of  money 
to  develop  new  railway  lines — which  are  very  costly  in  mountain- 
ous countries  like  Norway — necessitated  the  launching  of  loans 
on  the  French  Bourse.  M.  Fallieres.  then  President  of  the 


5S 


French  Republic  (who  is  one  of  the  greatest  wine-growers  in 
France),  opposed  the  loan,  and  the  French  Government  deter- 
mined that  the  money  should  not  bp  advanced  unless  the  Nor- 
wegian Government  agreed  to  a Treaty  lowering  the  duties  on 
French  wines  and  spirits.  Spain  and  Portugal  also  threatened  to 
introduce  prohibitive  tariffs  on  Norwegian  dried  codfish  and  other 
articles,  unless  the  duties  on  their  wines  were  reduced.  At  the 
same  time  a demand  was  made  for  a modification  of  the  Local 
Veto  law  by  which  the  spirit  traffic  (and  even  that  of  wine  and 
beer)  has  been  voted  out  of  about  half  of  the  townships.  The 
Norwegian  Government  and  Parliament  very  reluctantly  agreed 
to  lower  the  duty — twelve  Members  of  Parliament  bravely  voted 
against  this  being  done — but  they  resolutely  refused  to  make  any 
alteration  for  the  weakening  of  the  Local  Veto  law.  Dr.  Hercod, 
writing  in  L’ Abstinence  at  this  time,  said  — 

“ The  Norwegian  Government  has  supported  the  treaty  with 
“ a heavy  heart,  but  the  Norwegian  people,  justly  susceptible, 
“ will  not  forget  the  injury  done  to  their  pride,  and  almost  to 
“ their  national  honour.  Already  there  are  protestations  and 
“ their  impressions  will  be  lasting.  The  250,000  organised  ab- 
“ Stainers  of  the  North  and  whose  numbers  are  constantly 
“ increasing,  will  not  stop  in  their  triumphant  march,  and  will 
“ be  able  to  do  without  the  French  gold.” 

In  answer  to  the  demands  of  the  people,  the  Government  in 
igi2  appointed  a Commission  to  investigate  the  whole  liquor 
question  of  Norway,  with  a view  to  more  stringent  regulations, 
or  the  entire  prohibition  of  the  spirit  traffic.  The  Commission 
has  taken  a large  amount  of  evidence  and  is  expected  to  present 
the  report  during  the  sitting  of  the  1914  Parliament.  The  Tem- 
perance Reformers  are  expecting  drastic  proposals  against  the 
liquor  traffic,  and  have  suggested  steps  towards  entire  Pro- 
hibition. 

The  Norwegian  Parliamentary  elections  which  took  place 
October,  1912,  resulted  in  a great  victory  for  the  Prohibitionists. 
.About  45A  per  cent.,  of  the  Members  are  pledged  total  abstainers, 
with  an  advanced  Temperance  programme  to  submit  to  Parlia- 
ment, while  the  Radical  party,  which  is  also  pledged  to  some 
sound  Temperance  legislation,  has  a majority  in  the  new  Parlia- 
ment. Even  in  the  last  Parliament  some  useful  legislation  was 
passed,  including  the  prohibition  of  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors 
on  railway  trains,  and  the  exclusion  of  distilled  liquors  from  the 
National  Exhibition  to  be  held  in  Christiania  in  1914.  It  has  also 
been  announced  that  the  Government  has  determined  that  in 
future  all  forms  of  alcoholic  liquors  shall  be  prohibited  in  all  army 
encampments,  drill-grounds,  and  barracks. 


59 


The  population  of  Norway  in  1910  was  2,391,782,  of  whom 
nearly  270,000  are  subscribing'  members  of  the  various  Temper- 
ance organisations.  The  Storting  consists  of  123  members, 
elected  by  the  suffrage  of  both  sexes  of  25  years  of  age.  One 
quarter  of  the  elected  members  form  the  Lagting,  and  the  other 
members  form  the  Odelsting.  In  the  recent  General  Election  it 
is  reported  that  a majority  of  about  one  hundred  of  those  elected 
declared  themselves  in  favour  of  drastic  reform  in  reference  to 
the  liquor  traffic,  and  M.  Castberg,  leader  of  the  Radical  party, 
although  not  a teetotaler,  has  pledged  himself  to  “do  everything 
in  his  power  to  drive  from  the  Norwegian  shores  the  spirit  traffic, 
which  is  the  most  dangerous  enemy  of  the  people.’’  In  addition 
to  the  ordinary  Temperance  party,  the  Labour  and  Socialistic 
parties  of  Norway  are  reported  to  have  made  Prohibition  a plank 
in  their  programme. 

It  has  been  repeatedly  stated  (by  persons  interested  in 
securing  a monopoly  of  the  liquor  traffic  under  the  strange  and 
misleading  title  of  “ Disinterested  Management’’)  that  the  Good 
Templars  and  Temperance  reformers  of  Scandinavia  have  sup- 
ported the  Liquor  Companies’  monopoly.  Our  co-workers  in 
these  countries  are  too  far  away  to  see  these  attacks  upon  their 
consistency ; the  writer  therefore  has  ventured  to  send  a series  ol 
questions  to  some  of  the  Scandinavian  leaders.  Tire  following 
are  the  questions  sent,  together  with  some  of  the  replies  received. 
No  replies  in  any  way  controverted  the  opinions  herein  expressed. 
The  fact  is,  there  are  no  countries  in  the  world  where  the  Tem- 
perance forces  are  more  united  than  in  Norway  and  Sweden. 

QUESTIONS. 

(1)  “ Do  the  Good  Templars  and  Temperance  organisations 
support  the  present  company  system  of  selling  intoxicating 
liquors?  ’’ 

(2)  “ Can  you  state  who  are  the  people  who  organise  for 
the  abolition  of  the  Samlag  or  Bolag?  ’’  (the  company  liquor 
shops.) 

(3)  “ When  the  company  system  has  been  abolished,  who 
are  the  people  who  endeavour  to  re-establish  the  Samlag  and 
Bolag?  ’’ 

(4)  “ Have  there  been  any  steps  taken  in  either  Norway  or 
Sweden  in  recent  times  to  alter  or  repeal  the  legislation  under 
which  the  Samlags  and  Bolags  are  conducted?  ’’ 

(5)  “ Has  there  been,  or  is  there  now,  any  movement  in 
favour  of  strengthening  the  law  regarding  prohibition  in  lieu  of 
the  company  system?  ’’ 


60 


ANSWERS  FROM  NORWAY. 

The  following  answers  have  been  received  from  Mr.  Johan 
Hvidsten,  G.Co.  (Kristinia),  Mr.  Louis  Monsen,  G.Sec. 
(Trondhjem),  Mr.  G.  Krogshus,  Editor  of  the  “ Goodtemplar- 
bladet,”  the  official  organ  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  Rev.  C.  V. 
Duckett  (Yoss),  and  Mr.  Ivar  Aasen  (Bergen) : — 

(1)  “Not  at  all.”  “No.”  “No.”  “No.”  “No,  the  direct 
contrary  is  the  truth.  They  are  all  unanimously  against  it.  Any 
member  would  be  expelled  from  the  organisations  if  he  supported 
it.” 

(2)  “It  is  always  the  Good  Templars  and  Temperance 
organisations.”  “ All  the  Temperance  organisations  are  work- 
ing for  the  abolition  of  the  Samlags,  because  they  see  danger  for 
the  country  in  the  present  state  of  things.”  “ The  Temperance 
organisations  and  the  people  who  are  in  sympathy  with  the  Tem- 
perance movement.”  “ In  Bergen  1 am  just  now  a member  of  a 
committee  for  abolishing  the  Samlag.  The  representatives  on 
this  committee  are  elected  from  all  the  Temperance  societies. 
They  are  all  for  abolition.” 

(3)  “ They  who  are  against  the  Temperance  and  prohibition 
movement.”  “ All  who  have  a financial  interest  in  ‘ the  Trade.’  ” 
“Certainly  no  Temperance  organisations.”  “Never  Temper- 
ance men  or  women.” 

(4)  “ The  voters  have  the  right  to  decide,  whether  they 
want  the  Samlags  in  their  community  or  not.”  “The  latest 
alteration  was  in  the  Act  of  May  17th,  1904,  which  tried  to 
diminish  the  town’s  interest  in  the  Samlags  by  taking  au'ay  65 
per  cent,  of  the  income  for  the  State,  10  per  cent,  for  the  country, 
15  per  cent,  for  the  town  of  the  Samlag,  leaving  only  10  per  cent, 
for  distribution  by  the  directors  of  the  Samlag.” 

(5)  “ An  official  Commission  is  now  working,  and  the  result 
will,  1 think,  lead  to  steps  being  taken  in  favour  of  Prohibition, 
especially  regarding  brandy.”  “The  goal  of  the  Temperance 
people’s  endeavours  is  Prohibition.”  “The  State  as  w'ell  as 
the  municipalities  are  regulating  the  sale  of  intoxicants  with  the 
intention  of  restricting  the  consumption.”  “The  Samlag  is 
getting  more  and  more  unpopular,  as  they  have  not  answered 
to  the  expectation  of  the  people.”  “ We  are  waiting  for  the 
report  of  the  official  Commission,  but  plans  are  ripe  for  securing 
the  prohibition  of  the  spirit  traffic  by  1920.” 

Similar  answers  have  been  received  from  Mr.  Arne  Halgjen, 
G.C.T. , and  President  of  the  Norwegian  Temperance  Federation 
(Haugesund),  and  Pastor  Ivar  Th.  Aarseth,  I.\'.T.  (Larsnes). 

ANSWERS  FROM  SWEDEN. 

The  following  members  of  Parliament,  having  seats  in  the 
Tapper  House  of  the  Rigsdag,  have  jointly  signed  the  following 
answers  to  the  questions  Hon.  Edvard  Wavrinsky,  I.C.T. 


61 


(Stockholm),  Hon.  Aug.  Lindh,  G.E.Supt.  (Kil),  Hon.  Oscar 
Olssen,  G.Ch.  (Linkoping),  and  the  Hon.  Alfred  Starner, 
P. G.E.Supt.  (Koping)  : — 

(1)  “No.” 

(2)  “'^All  total  abstinence  societies  unitedly  and  each  for 
itself.” 

(3)  “ Those  interested  in  the  traffic  and  in  the  support  of 
the  drinking  habits,  with  supposed  effective  restrictions.” 

(4)  “The  opposition  to  the  Bolag  system  has  grown  so 
strong  that  the  Bolags  themselves  have  found  it  necessary  to 
apply  to  the  system  stronger  and  stronger  restrictions— to  the 
‘ on  ’ sale  as  well  as  the  ‘ off  ’ sale — going  even  so  far  as  to 
limit  the  ‘ on  ’ sale  to  real  meals,  and  the  ‘ off  ’ sale  to  persons 
with  special  certificates  giving  permission  to  buy  limited  portions 
of  liquors  at  prescribed  shops.” 

(5)  “A  Royal  Commission  is  (a)  preparing  a Local  Option 
Bill  with  vetO'  power  for  a qualified  majority  of  men  and  women 
of  age  in  each  community ; (b)  considering  a re-organisation  of 
the  Bolag  system  in  order  to  diminish  to  the  utmost  the  ruining 
effects  of  the  same,  to  be  applied  to  those  communities  where 
Local  Veto  cannot  yet  be  obtained  ; and  (c)  investigating  how 
Prohibition  may  be  introduced  and  carried  on.” 

The  above  statement  is  also  signed  by  A.  Bjorkman, 
Director  of  the  Swedish  Temperance  Bureau  ; and  a similar  state- 
ment by  Bro.  Eriksson,  G.Ch.  (Mjolby). 

The  following  important  statement  is  made  by  Miss  Emilie 
Rathou,  a member  of  the  Royal  Commission,  now  sitting  in  con- 
nection with  the  liquor  question.  Miss  Rathou’s  answers  are  as 
follows  : — 

(1)  “ No,  they  do  not.” 

(2)  “ In  Sweden  the  local  authorities  in  four  towns  have 
abolished  the  Bolag.  In  the  rural  districts  the  Bolag  does  not 
exist.” 

(3)  “ The  liquor  party.” 

(4)  “ In  both  Norway  and  Sweden  Royal  Commissions  have 
been  appointed,  and  some  stringent  legislation  which  will  influ- 
ence the  Bolags  is  expected.” 

(s)  “ The  entire  Temperance  movement,  both  in  Norway 
and  Sweden,  are  working  for  the  abolition  of  the  whole  liquor 
traffic,  consequently  also  the  Bolags.” 

_ 'Die  above  statements  will  surely  stop  the  friends  of  so-called 
“ disinterested  management”  from  alleging  that  the  Good  Tem- 
plars of  Norway  and  Sweden  support  their  proposals, 


CHAPTER  V 


Sweden 

“ To  find  the  right  solution  of  the  alcohol  problem  is  the  central  task  of 
all  social  efforts.  Industrial  problems,  questions  arising  from  falling  birth 
and  death  rates,  can  be  settled  only  when  the  use  of  alcohol  has  ceased.  The 
Swedish  people  must  head  the  movement,  first  by  enlightenment  as  to  the 
evil,  and  finally  by  its  abolition  thrsugh  prohibitory  legislation.” 

Professor  Cvrt  Wallis,  Stockholm  ( 1912). 


It  is  generally  believed  that  Sweden  is  within  a very  few 
years  of  attaining  entire  Prohibition.  There  are  many  indica- 
tions which  favour  this  view.  The  Royal  Commission  which  has 
to  prepare  a measure  of  Local  Veto,  has  also  to  report  upon  the 
question  of  the  possibility  of  a general  prohibition.  To  prevent,  if 
possible,  any  prohibitory  legislation,  all  kinds  of  schemes  for  a 
reform  of  the  Gothenburg  system  are  being  put  forward.  That 
suggested  by  Dr.  Ivan  Bratt  is  considered  the  most  dangerous. 
One  of  these  proposals  is  that  “ everybody  who  would  buy  liquor 
shall  have  a licence,  and  that  every  sale  shall  be  registered.” 
Dr.  Bratt  also  proposes  that  official  alcohol  bureaus  shall  be 
established  in  every  town  where  Samlags  are  permitted,  ‘‘for  the 
special  purpose  of  looking  after  the  liquor  traffic,  curing  the 
drunkards,  and  furthering  the  development  of  Temperance.”  A 
very  strange  and  almost  impossible  combination.  Dr.  Hercod 
says  : — 

‘‘That  the  propositions  of  Dr.  Bratt  are  well  meant,  that 
‘‘  he  wishes  sincerely  to  fight  alcoholism  is  undeniable,  but  he 
‘‘  does  not  seem  to  see  that  for  the  sake  of  a perfectly  useless 
‘‘  and  very  dangerous  liquor  he  is  proposing  restrictions  upon 
‘‘  individual  liberty  which  would  be  far  more  unbearable  than  the 
‘‘  introduction  of  Prohibition.” 

A common  ground  of  agreement  between  the  Prohibitionists 
of  Sweden,  Norway,  and  Denmark  has  been  arrived  at,  and  an 
effort  is  to  be  made  to  secure  Prohibition  for  the  three  countries 
at  the  same  time.  If  this  can  be  brought  about,  it  will  be  a very 
great  achievement  in  the  world’s  history.  That  the  question 
is  thoroughly  understood  by  the  three  Governments  is  borne  out 
by  the  utterances  of  the  highest  authorities  in  the  land.  The 
Crown  Prince  of  Sweden  (in  1911)  declared  at  Hessleholm 


64 


“ I do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  the  people  which  first  frees 
“ itself  from  the  influence  of  alcohol  will  in  this  way  acquire  a 
“ distinct  advantage  over  other  nations  in  the  peaceful  yet 
“ intense  struggle.  I hope  it  will  be  our  own  people  who  will 
“ be  the  first  to  win  this  start  over  the  others.” 

The  history  of  the  liquor  question  in  Sweden  is  a remarkable 
one.  Prior  to  the  year  1800  the  Swedish  Royal  Family  were 
granted  a national  monopoly  of  the  production  of  the  native 
spirit  Branvin,  as  a means  of  raising  revenue  for  the  support  of 
the  Royal  household.  Early  in  the  seventeenth  century  Emanuel 
Swedenborg,  the  great  religious  and  moral  reformer  of  Sweden, 
entered  his  solemn  protest  against  raising  revenue  in  this  manner, 
and  declared  that  ‘‘Total  abstinence  from  intoxicating  liquors  is 
more  desirable  for  the  country’s  welfare  and  morality  than  all  the 
revenue  to  be  derived  from  licensing  the  manufacture  and  sale 
of  so  pernicious  a drink.”  Later,  the  nation  abolished  the  Royal 
prerogative  over  the  manufacture  of  Branvin,  and  went  to  the 
other  extreme  by  permitting  every  homestead  to  have  its  spirit 
still  on  payment  of  a small  fee  for  the  privilege.  By  1827  there 
existed  no  less  than  173,124  of  these  domestic  spirit  stills,  and  it 
is  estimated  that  the  consumption  of  Branvin  reached  no  less 
than  46  litres  per  head  of  the  population.  The  result  of  this 
enormous  consumption  of  spirits  caused  a great  physical  and 
mental  deterioration.  The  destitution  of  a large  number  of  the 
people  is  also  reported  to  have  been  very  great  indeed.  Sweden 
at  this  time  was  declared  to  be  the  most  drunken  nation  in 
Europe. 

In  1835  fhe  Riksdag  (National  Parliament)  abolished  the 
domestic  spirit  stills,  and  within  ten  years  the  consumption  of 
spirits  had  decreased  to  22  litres  per  head.  The  consumption 
was  still  so  great  that  the  larger  distilleries  which  had  been  set 
up  in  place  of  the  domestic  stills  were  closed  for  two  months  at 
a time,  and  it  is  stated  that  large  numbers  of  men  walked  hun- 
dreds of  miles  to  petition  the  King  to  instruct  the  Riksdag  to 
prohibit  the  traffic  or  give  the  people  power  to  do  it  themselves. 

In  1855  ^ far-reaching  Temperance  law  was  passed  giving 
to  every  rural  district  absolute  control  over  the  spirit  traffic. 
During  1856  votes  were  taken  in  the  whole  of  nearly  2,400  rural 
parishes,  and  in  over  2,000  of  these  parishes  the  people  swept  the 
spirit  traffic  out  of  their  district.  In  1909  no  less  than  2,325 
rural  parishes  were  free  from  the  spirit  traffic.  In  1857 
the  number  of  spirit  shops  was  557,  but  in  1909  this 
number  had  been  reduced  to  113  (72  ‘‘  on”  licences  and  43  ‘‘  off  ” 
licences).  Thus  rural  Sweden,  with  four-fifths  of  the  entire  popu- 
lation, has  been  practically  freed  from  the  spirit  traffic.  The 


65 


beer  and  wine  traffic,  which  practically  had  no  existence  when 
the  Local  Veto  law  was  passed  in  1855,  has  during-  the  interim 
grown  very  extensively.  All  manufacturers  have  the  right  with- 
out any  licence  to  sell  malt  liquors  for  consumption  off  the 
premises.  Retailers  must  take  out  an  “ on  ” or  “ off  ” licence, 
while  innkeepers  are  permitted  without  a licence  to  serve  beer 
to  travellers  when  a meal  is  taken.  In  rural  Sweden  in  1909  there 
were  301  “ off  ” licences  and  1,074  “ ” licences  for  the  sale 

of  beer  and  wine,  605  of  the  “ on  ” licences  being  issued  to 
innkeepers,  and  238  temporary  licences  were  also  issued. 

While  rural  Sweden  got  the  power  to  free  itself  by  a direct 
popular  vote  and  used  it  most  thoroughly,  urban  Sweden  was 
denied  this  right  and  the  power  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  Town 
Councils  to  continue  or  to  limit  or  to  manage  the  spirit  traffic,  as 
they  thought  best.  Sweden  has  95  towns,  and  in  none  did  the 
Councils  veto  the  traffic,  although  by  1909  four  towns  had 
secured  Prohibition.  At  first  the  Town  Councils  put  the  licences 
up  to  auction  for  periods  of  from  one  to  three  years,  the  success- 
ful bidders  being  those  who  promised  to  sell  the  largest  number 
of  litres  during  the  period  of  the  licences.  If  the  successful  bidder 
sold  less  than  he  bid,  of  course  he  would  lose  the  amount  he  had 
paid  on  sale  tax,  but  if  he  sold  more  he  would  escape  paying  the 
sale  tax  on  that  amount.  No  more  immoral  system  has  ever 
existed  in  any  country.  The  liquor  seller  sold  his  liquors  at  all 
hours,  and  not  only  for  money  but  for  clothing  and  any  other 
saleable  commodity,  and  then  largely  sold  on  credit.  The  Town 
Councils,  to  secure  a higher  amount  at  the  next  auction,  seldom 
made  any  attempt  to  enforce  the  law,  with  the  result  that  while 
the  people  in  the  rural  districts  were  fast  becoming  noted  for  their 
sobriety,  the  populations  in  the  towns  were  still  notoriously 
drunken,  although  the  consumption  had  by  i860  dropped  to  about 
10  litres  per  head.  This  quantity  was  mainly  consumed  in  the 
towns,  which  contained  less  than  one-fifth  of  the  population.  In 
1844  It  was  enacted  that  if  a civilian  proved  a case  of  drunken- 
ness he  should  have  one-third  of  the  fine,  and  if  a policeman 
proved  It,  two-thirds  of  the  fine  went  to  the  police.  Needless  to 
say.  this  system  led  to  many  acts  of  gross  injustice,  so  that  in 
1865  (the  year  the  Gothenburg  system  was  established)  the 
Riksdag  abolished  these  rewards,  and  immediately  the  police  and 
general  public  slackened  In  their  attempts  to  secure  convictions 
for  drunkenness.  Some  slight  limitations  were  also  adopted  in 
reference  to  the  sale  of  spirits  in  the  towns.  By  1865  there  was  a 
still  further  reduction  In  the  consumption  amounting  during  the 
thirty  years  to  about  80  per  cent. — and  this  was  before  the 
Gothenburg  system  was  invented 


F 


66 


In  1865  a body  of  gentlemen  in  Gothenburg  suggested  to 
the  Town  Councils  that  it  would  be  in  the  interest  of  sobriety 
and  would  induce  people  to  drink  beer  rather  than  spirits,  if 
they  would  hand  over  all  the  spirit  licences  to  a Liquor  Trust 
Company  of  philanthropic  shareholders,  who  should  only  receive 
six  per  cent,  upon  their  investments,  and  pay  the  remainder  of 
the  profits  into  the  treasury  of  the  Town  Council.  Eventually 
this  was  adopted  ; the  liquor  company  greatly  reduced  the  number 
of  houses,  and  also  the  hours  of  sale.  They  stopped  receiving 
goods  for  liquor  and  selling  on  credit,  and  raised  the  age  of  sale 
to  young  people,  etc.  The  managers  were  paid  a fixed  salary 
for  spirit  sales,  but  received  a bonus  on  the  profits  made  from  the 
sale  of  malt  liquors  and  food.  Mr.  Oskar  Peterssen,  of  Sweden, 
said  in  1897  ; — 

“ To  begin  with,  all  appeared  bright  and  good,  and  the 
“ system  was  introduced  into  many  towns  till  the  year  1894 
“ eighty-nine  companies  traded  in  the  spirit  traffic  on  what  is 
“ called  the  Gothenburg  system,  but  really  by  systems  which  are 
“ rather  caricatures  of  it.  Other  circumstances  were  also  favour- 
“ able ; the  successful  religious  workmen’s  and  Temperance 
“ movements  especially  contributed  to  diminish  the  consumption 
“ of  spirits  and  so  a success  was  attributed  to  the  Gothenburg 
“ system  which  the  system  by  itself  did  not  merit.” 

The  Diet  as  early  as  1873  drew  the  attention  of  the  Govern- 
ment to  the  corruption  carried  on  by  the  Bolags,  and  in  1874 
they  called  upon  the  Government  to  pass  legislation  prohibiting 
the  payment  of  commission  on  the  sale  of  spirits.  In  1895,  in 
answer  to  repeated  demands,  the  Government  Introduced  a Bill, 
which  was  passed  by  the  Riksdag,  declaring  that  every  company 
should  consist  of  at  least  twelve  persons ; that  they  should  receive 
no  higher  interest  than  five  per  cent.  ; that  sales  through  can- 
vassers should  be  forbidden  ; that  rent  transactions  with  inter- 
ested parties  and  the  payment  of  salaries  in  proportion  to  profit, 
should  be  prohibited. 

From  returns  issued  by  the  Swedish  Government  Statistical 
Bureau  in  1907,  it  appears  that  in  the  towns,  with  a population 
of  about  one  million,  there  is  an  annual  average  of  37  convictions 
for  drunkenness  per  thousand  of  the  population,  while  in 
the  rural  parishes  with  a population  of  over  4,000,000  there  is 
only  an  annual  average  of  1 ’4  convictions  for  drunkenness 
per  thousand  of  the  population.  Thus  the  one  million, 
living  under  the  so-called  model  liquor  system,  have  32 
times  as  large  a percentage  of  drunkenness  as  the  four  millions 
living  under  Prohibition.  Again,  in  considering  the  quantity 
of  spirits  sold  in  the  towns  of  Sweden,  it  is  not  safe  to  rely 


67 


simply  upon  the  figures  issued  by  the  liquor  companies,  for  it 
must  be  remembered  that  in  many  towns  the  companies  only 
manage  a very  small  percentage  of  the  spirit  shops.  Thus  in 
Stockholm,  where  the  company  have  the  monopoly  of  8o  licences, 
they  only  work  23  themselves,  and  farm  out  to  private  individuals 
the  others.  In  Gothenburg,  the  company  have  69  licences,  but 
only  work  29  themselves ; the  others  are  farmed  out  to  private 
persons.  These  private  individuals,  with  the  liquor  companies 
themselves,  are  out  to  make  the  largest  profit  possible,  and  from 
the  testimony  of  police  officers,  well-known  public  men,  and  the 
daily  press,  they  are  not  very  particular  as  to  the  methods 
adopted.  The  Hon.  Oskar  Eklund,  a member  of  the  Upper 
House  of  the  Riksdag,  stated  in  1908  : — 

“ Our  Gothenburg  Liquor  Companies  are  quite  as  desirous 
“ of  getting  their  liquors  sold  as  ordinary  publicans  would  be. 
“ Complaints  are  repeatedly  made  that  the  Bolags  are  making 
“ strenuous  efforts  in  order  to  push  the  sale  of  brandy — some- 
“ times  by  unlawful  means  such  as  the  sending  out  of  agents  to 
“canvass  for  orders  in  areas  where  the  people  have  prohibited 
“ drink  shops.  The  Liquor  Bolags  say,  ‘ We  are  working  in  the 
“ interests  of  morality  and  sobriety.’  It  is  false.  Whenever  any 
“ proposition  to  restrict  the  sale  of  spirits  has  been  formulated  in 
“ Parliament  or  embodied  in  memorials  to  his  Majesty,  the 
“ Bolags  have  always  attempted  to  hinder  them  by  warning  the 
“authorities  against  their  acceptance.’’ 

In  February,  1911,  a conference  of  the  liquor  interest  was 
held  at  Stockholm.  A petition  to  the  Government  was  adopted 
asking  for  longer  hours  of  selling  on  Sunday,  for  the  re- 
duction of  certain  penalties  for  law-violation,  and  for  limi- 
tations of  the  power  of  the  authorities  to  suppress  licences ; 
the  petition  also  asked  that  a two-thirds  majority  instead 
of  a bare  majority  (as  at  present)  in  Town  Councils  should  be  re- 
quired for  closing  drink-shops.  Confidential  representatives  of  the 
Gothenburg  system  were  present  at  this  conference  and  sup- 
ported the  liquor  interest  proposals.  Professor  Santesson  said 
in  1912  : “ The  alcohol  interest  in  Sweden  works  in  silence 
through  a part  of  the  press  or  otherwise  to  check  the  Temperance 
party’s  efforts  for  legislation.’’  Professor  Curt  Wallis  said; 

“ We  have  had  forty  years’  experience  of  the  system.  Theory 
is  good  gold;  practice  is  bad  nickel.’’  Mr.  August  Ljunggren 
said  : “ The  system  is  obsolete  and  impotent,”  and  Mr.  Ernest 
Gordon  said:  “When  the  weaknesses  of  the  company  system 
are  pointed  out,  many  say  that  these  can  be  corrected.  This  is 
perhaps  true  of  some  of  them,  but  in  practice  they  have  not  been 
realised  after  nearly  fifty  years.  Threatened  Prohibition,  how- 
ever, is  stirring  the  Bolag  people  to  the  thought,  at  least,  of 


68 


better  courses.  The  fear  of  Prohibition  is  the  beginning  of 
alcohol  wisdom  in  Sweden  as  elsewhere.” 

In  1909  difficulties  arose  between  the  employers  and  the 
trade  unions,  which  ended  in  a great  national  strike.  Prior  to 
the  stoppage,  deputations  from  the  Union  of  Temperance  Organi- 
sations, supported  by  the  Trade  Unions,  waited  upon  the  King 
and  the  Government,  urging  that  an  order  should  be  issued 
prohibiting  the  sale  of  all  intoxicating  liquors  during  the  continu- 
ance of  the  strike.  The  Government  agreed  to  recommend  this 
course  to  be  taken,  and  the  authorities  throughout  the  country 
ordered  all  liquor  shops  to  be  closed.  Light  beers  and  wines 
were  permitted  to  be  sold  with  food.  The  strike  lasted  for  nearly 
five  weeks,  and  the  result  of  closing  the  liquor  bars  was  most 
satisfactory.  Drunkenness,  disorder  and  crime  almost  entirely 
disappeared.  The  soldiers  placed  in  the  large  centres  to  suppress 
anticipated  disorder  had  no  disorder  to  suppress.  In  a number 
of  the  towns  and  country  places  there  were  no  arrests  for  any 
offences  whatever.  In  the  two  largest  cities,  i.e. , Stockholm 
and  Gothenburg,  the  arrests  as  compared  with  the  corresponding 
period  of  the  previous  year,  were  as  follows  : — 

Year.  Stockholm.  Gothenburg-. 

1908  1,548  835 

1909  168  1 14 

The  marvellous  order  and  quiet  behaviour  of  the  workers 
during  the  strike,  in  all  parts  of  the  country  alike,  was  credited 
by  every  authority  to  the  closing  of  the  liquor  bars.  This  is  a 
good  illustration  of  the  way  in  which  Prohibition  solves  in  prac- 
tice the  problem  of  the  liquor  traffic  and  its  attendant  evils. 

The  success  of  Prohibition  during  the  strike  fired  the  Tem- 
perance Societies  with  the  idea  of  entering  upon  a great  under- 
taking, viz.,  a National  Plebiscite  upon  the  question  of  the  entire 
Prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  throughout  Sweden.  \'oting 
papers  were  prepared  by  a National  Committee,  and  ever}- 
person,  male  and  female  (over  18  years  of  age)  was  requested 
to  vote  for  or  against  National  Prohibition.  The  result  proved 
a most  magnificent  victory  for  Prohibition,  thus  : — 


For  Prohibition 1,884,298 

Against  Prohibition  16,715 

Majority  for  Prohibition  1,867,583 


Over  55  per  cent.,  of  the  entire  adult  population  (over  18  years 
of  age)  recorded  their  votes  for  Prohibition. 

In  1909  a new  franchise  law  was  adopted,  so  that  the  Par- 
liamentary vote  no  longer  depends  upon  the  income  of  the  voter. 
.A  General  Election  for  the  Second  Chamber  took  place  in 


69 


igii.  Of  the  230  members  elected,  135  were  Prohibition- 
ists. The  Government  resigned,  and  a new  one  was  appointed, 
which  immediately  introduced  a measure  for  the  reform  of 
the  Upper  House.  This  was  passed,  the  old  Upper 
Chamber  was  dissolved,  and  elections  took  place  for  the  new 
Chamber.  Out  of  a total  of  150  members  elected,  32  were  Pro- 
hibitionists— the  number  in  the  old  Chamber  was  only  seven. 
The  members  of  the  Second  Chamber,  from  which  a large 
majority  of  the  Ministry  is  drawn,  called  upon  the  Government 
to  deal  with  the  liquor  question,  and  it  was  determined  to  appoint 
a Commission  to  consider  and  report  upon  the  steps  to  be  taken. 
Addressing  the  King  at  a Council  of  State  held  in  the  Stockholm 
Castle  on  November  17th,  1911,  Mr.  Staaff,  the  Prime  Minister, 
said  : — 

“ One  of  the  most  important  questions,  in  which  all  patriots 
“ should  be  interested,  is  that  of  raising  the  status  of  Temper- 
“ ance  in  our  nation.  Society  in  general  has  no  worse  enemy 
“ to  contend  with  than  the  desire  for  intoxicating  liquors,  and 
“ it  has  no  better  friend  than  Temperance.  The  misery  caused 
“ by  intemperate  habits  destroys  in  innumerable  cases  the  joy 
“ of  the  home  and  the  happiness  of  matrimony,  as  well  as  the 
“ peace  of  the  family.  The  economical  condition  of  the  indi- 
“ vidual  would  be  greatly  improved  by  Temperance,  and  the 
“ economical  condition  in  general  w’ould  also  secure  thereby  a far 
“ greater  solidity  and  strength. 

“ At  the  present  moment  it  would  be  a difficult  task  to  free 
“ society  from  its  dependence  on  those  means  which  are  derived 
“ from  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  But,  no  matter  how  great 
“ the  difficulties  may  be  it  is  quite  possible  to  believe  that  the 
“financial  condition  of  the  State  and  of  the  Municipality  would 
“ rest  on  a safer  basis  under  a general  state  of  sobriety  than  by 
“ encouraging  a desire  for  and  the  drinking  of  liquors.  The 
“ spiritual  and  material  improvement  of  a nation,  as  well  as  of 
“ the  individual,  surely  grows  side  by  side  with  the  increase  of 
“ Temperance.  There  can  be  no  doubt  at  all  that  the  defence  of 
“ our  native  country  gains  considerably  in  strength,  by  a more 
“ general  and  extensive  sobriety.  The  fight  against  the  sale 
“ and  consumption  of  liquors  in  Sweden  is  of  somewhat  old  date, 
“ and  our  nation  unquestionably  owes  a debt  of  gratitude  to 
“ those  men  and  women,  dead  as  well  as  living,  poor  as  well  as 
“ rich,  who  have  combined  to  fight  against  the  abuse  of  liquors 
“ and  the  furtherance  of  Temperance. 

“ The  law  has  also  made  an  attempt  to  support  this  most 
“ important  matter,  but  people  have  become  more  and  more 
“ convinced  that  legislation  as  it  is  at  the  present  time,  does  not 
“ altogether  answer  the  purpose.  With  regard  to  the  question 
as  to  what  is  to  be  done,  it  must  be  admitted  that  people’s 
“ views  differ  considerably,  though  on  the  whole  they  are  fairly 


70 


“ unanimous  as  to  what  should  be  the  lirst  step  to  be  taken, 
“ which  is  the  introduction  of  Local  Veto  in  such  a form  as  that 
“ which  has  met  with  the  greatest  approval  here  in  Sweden, 
“ namely,  the  Local  Veto  that  makes  it  possible  for  the  question 
“ regarding  the  continuation  of  the  sale  of  liquors  in  any  com- 
“ munity,  to  be  subjected  to  a plebiscite,  or  vote  of  the  people, 
“ in  which  every  member  of  the  community,  women  as  well  as 
“ men,  who  are  of  age  and  of  good  character,  should  have  the 
“ right  to  participate;  and  should  the  result  of  such  a plebiscite 
“ be  that  at  least  tw'O-thirds  of  the  votes  given  are  in  favour  of 
“ abolishing  the  sale  of  liquors,  then  this  resolution  shall  become 
“ law,  and  no  question  of  the  future  shall  be  allowed  to  be 
“ raised  until  after  the  expiration  of  a certain  period. 

“ Simultaneously  w’ith  this  proposition  others  have  been 
“ brought  forward,  also  worthy  of  consideration;  they  comprise 
“ certain  measures  connected  with  the  sale  of  liquors,  with  the 
“ object  of  improving  the  general  condition  of  order  and  morality 
“to  a far  higher  extent  than  they  have  been  up  to  the  present 
“ time.  Thus  among  other  things  it  has  been  proposed  that 
“ attempts  should  be  made  to  arrange  for  the  retailing  of  beer 
“ and  spirits  in  such  a manner  that  no  individual  should  derive 
“ profit  from  their  sale,  and  further,  to  try  and  prevent  intoxi- 
“ eating  liquors  being  served  to  habitual  drunkards,  and  in  many 
“ other  respects  to  reform  the  so-called  Gothenburg  system. 

“ Finally,  we  are  reminded  what  great  progress  the  demand 
“ for  a total  prohibition  restriction  has  made  and  how  steadily 
“ the  strength  of  this  demand  has  grown.  The  proposition 
“ with  regard  to  a Local  \Tto  has  repeatedly  been  approved  by 
“ the  Second  Chamber  of  the  Riksdag,  and  with  regard  to 
“ certain  reforms  in  the  Gothenburg  system,  an  appeal  has  been 
“ made  to  your  Royal  Majesty,  both  by  this  year's  Riksdag  as 
“ well  as  by  the  Riksdag  of  1910.  The  question  in  connection 
“ with  general  prohibition  has  found  sympathy  in  the  Second 
“ Chamber,  which  has  desired  a full  inquiry  into  the  matter  to 
“ be  made.  How  w’armly  this  desire  is  supported  b)’  a great 
“ portion  of  our  nation,  the  result  of  the  plebiscite  in  regard  to 
“ this  subject,  which  took  place  in  1909,  bears  evidence.  It  is 
“ my  personal  conviction  that  the  cause  of  Temperance  should 
“ be  advocated  with  far  more  zeal  by  the  Government  than  it  has 
“ been  up  to  the  present,  and  one  of  the  first  steps  to  be  taken 
“ in  connection  with  this  is  to  arrange  the  necessary  legislation 
“ for  the  introd^uction  of  Local  Veto,  and  after  Mlowing  the 
“ question  sufficient  time  for  consideration  to  attempt  to  intro- 
“ duce  practical  arrangements,  after  same  have  been  well  con- 
“ sidered,  so  as  to  limit  the  injurious  effects  of  the  liquor  traffic, 
“ and  to  produce  and  give  a versatile  explanation  regarding  the 
“ general  prohibition  of  the  sale  of  liquors. 

“ With  the  view  to  carrying  out  such  an  inquiry,  I propose 
“ that  a Commission  should  be  appointed,  which  ought  surely 


71 


“to  be  composed  of  representatives  from  the  different  bodies 
“ which  take  an  interest  in  increasing  sobriety,  and  which  should 
“ at  the  same  time  be  a representative  one  so  that  its  work  would 
“ give  evidence  of  a deep  and  candid  feeling  in  favour  of  the 
“ great  cause.  It  is  only  in  this  manner  that  the  work  can  be 
“ assured  of  attaining  its  aim,  which  is  to  try  and  overcome  even 
“ the  greatest  difficulties.  In  my  opinion  it  would  be  decidedly 
“ more  advantageous  to  approach  this  important  matter  in  this 
“ way  than  to  attempt  to  combine  the  most  heterogenous  views 
“ on  it.  After  the  completion  of  the  work  there  will  always  be 
“ an  opportunity,  if  desired,  of  having  any  case  subjected  to  a 
“ supplementary  and  then  a final  inquiry. 

“ In  conclusion,  I would  propose  that  your  Royal  Majesty 
“ might  be  pleased  to  resolve  that  the  Commission  first  of  all 
“ bring  the  question  regarding  the  Local  Veto  under  considera- 
“ tion,  and  that  as  soon  as  possible  it  should  prepare  and  submit 
“ its  views  on  this  subject.  I would  also  further  propose  that  the 
“ Commission,  which,  should  it  desire  to  do  so,  may  divide  into 
“ Sub-Committees,  as  far  as  all  other  matters  are  concerned, 
“ should  have  the  full  right  to  draw  up  the  programme  of  its 
“ work,  and  after  having  made  an  independent  examination  it 
“ should  give  the  results  of  its  investigation,  which  will  then 
“ represent  the  results  obtained  by  the  inquiry.” 

The  King  of  Sweden,  in  accordance  with  this  request, 
appointed  a Commission 

“ For  the  purpose  of  preparing,  as  soon  as  possible,  the 
“ necessary  legislation  for  the  introduction  of  Local  Veto  over 
“ the  sale  and  retailing  of  intoxicating  spirits  as  well  as  wine 
“and  beer;  and  further,  after  a proper  inquiry  has  been 
“ made,  to  submit  a proposal  for  other  well-grounded  and  active 
“ arrangements  to  be  made  in  order  to  limit  the  injurious  effects 
“ of  the  liquor  traffic,  firstly  by  reforming  the  so-called  Gothen- 
“ burg  system,  and  further  by  producing  a satisfactory  explana- 
“ tion  in  regard  to  a general  prohibition  of  the  sale  of  liquors.” 

Eight  gentlemen  and  one  lady,  with  Mr.  S.  H.  Kvarnzelius, 
G.C.T.  of  the  Good  Templars,  as  Chairman,  and  Mr.  E.  Jason 
Thulin  as  Secretary,  were  appointed  to  be  the  Commissioners. 
It  is  fully  expected  that  the  report  of  the  Commission  in  reference 
to  the  question  of  Local  Veto  will  be  ready  for  presentation  in 
1913,  and  that  the  Riksdag  will  adopt  a law  giving  the  people 
the  right  to  secure  the  local  suppression  of  the  liquor  traffic.  It 
is  stated  that  a majority  of  the  Commission  are  in  favour  of 
drastic  reforms  being  taken  in  regard  to  the  Gothenburg  system 
until  National  Prohibition  is  secured ; while  a minority  of  the 
Commission  favour  reforming  the  Gothenburg  system,  with  no 
prospective  National  Prohibition. 

Hard  on  the  heels  of  the  announcement  of  the  adoption  by 
the  Norwegian  Parliament  of  prohibition  of  the  sale  of  any  kind 


of  alcoholic  drinks  in  the  army  encampments,  drill-grounds,  and 
barracks,  comes  the  even  more  radical  step  taken  by  the  Swedish 
authorities  during  the  manoeuvres  of  1912.  Complete  prohibition 
was  ordered  in  all  places  where  mobilised  troops  were  stationed 
in  any  considerable  number.  In  this  way  the  old  contention  that 
if  the  canteen  should  be  suppressed  the  soldiers  would  “ go 
outside  to  drink  ” was  effectually  disposed  of. 

In  March,  1913,  it  was  determined  that  the  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors  should  no  longer  be  permitted  in  the  Riksdag 
buildings,  the  Swedish  Houses  of  Parliament.  This  resolution 
has  given  general  satisfaction,  not  only  to  the  Temperance  re- 
formers of  Sweden,  but  to  those  of  every  other  country.  The 
illustrated  paper  Puck  had  as  its  frontispiece  a picture  of  the 
main  entrance  to  the  Riksdag,  with  the  letters  I.O.G.T.  above 
the  doorway,  a striking  compliment  to  the  worth  of  the  Good 
Templar  Order  in  its  fight  against  the  liquor  traffic. 

' The  Riksdag  in  1913  adopted  two  far-reaching  resolutions — 
one  dealing  with  the  question  of  pensions,  and  the  other  with 
that  of  the  liquor  traffic.  In  order  to  free  the  communities,  pro- 
\incial  councils,  and  agricultural  societies  from  any  financial 
dependence  upon  the  revenue  derived  from  intoxicating  liquors, 
it  was  resolved  that  all  liquor  revenue  from  the  year  1914  should 
be  used  for  State  purposes.  Arrangements  are  also  proposed  by 
which,  in  a few  years,  the  State  will  be  made  independent  of  an}' 
revenue  from  this  source,  and  the  chief  obstacle  to  Prohibition 
will  then  be  removed. 

At  the  1913  Scandinavian  Congress  (representing  Sweden, 
Norway,  Denmark,  Finland,  and  Iceland)  the  Prime  IMinister  of 
Sweden,  Mr.  K.  Staaff,  said  in  a public  meeting  that  total  Pro- 
hibition seems  to  him  to  be  the  only  means  of  suppressing 
alcoholism.  He  hopes  that  the  Commission  which  was  consti- 
tuted two  years  ago  will  present  suitable  propositions  such  that 
the  Government  may  endorse,  and  propose  them  in  a Prohibition 
Bill  to  the  Parliament. 

The  population  of  Sweden  in  1910  was  5,521,943,  of  whom 
over  500,000  are  subscribing  members  of  the  various  Temperance 
organisations.  But  in  addition  to  this  enormous  strength  in  so 
small  a community,  the  Labour,  Socialistic  and  other  organisa- 
tions are  permeated  with  Temperance  and  Prohibition  principles. 
At  the  last  General  Election  even  the  Conservative  party  had  18 
per  cent,  of  its  members  returned  as  supporters  of  Prohibition, 
while  in  connection  with  the  Liberal  party  it  was  67  per  cent,  and 
with  the  Social  Democratic  party  as  large  as  86  per  cent.  Thus 
Sweden  is  systematical!}’  advancing  toward  the  total  Prohibition 
of  the  liquor  traffic. 


CHAPTER  VI 


European  Russia 

“ The  struggle  against  the  liquor  traffic  is  not  simply  a national  question, 
it  is  a world’s  question.  All  social  problems  group  round  the  question  of 
alcoholism,  while  the  evils  of  drunkenness,  on  such  an  authority  as  Gladstone, 
outweigh  the  evils  of  war,  pestilence  and  famine  put  together.” 

Professor  M.  Nis^egorodzef,  Si.  Petersburg  ( 1910). 


The  Temperance  movement  in  the  great  Russian  Empire  is 
of  very  recent  date.  In  1836  some  Lutheran  pastors  commenced 
a Temperance  crusade  in  some  of  the  Baltic  Provinces,  but  they 
were  soon  forbidden  to  spread  the  cause,  so  that  as  an  organised 
movement  it  died  out.  The  principle,  however,  took  firm  root  in 
some  of  the  provinces,  especially  among  the  Lettish  people.  The 
refusal  of  the  Russian  Government  to  permit  Temperance 
societies  to  be  formed  continued  for  many  years.  In  1887  the 
ban  was  partially  withdrawn,  and  total  abstinence  advocacy, 
which  had  been  permitted  in  Finland  since  1864,  spread  to  many 
parts  of  Russia,  and  even  into  Siberia. 

Russia. — For  centuries  the  people  of  European  Russia  have 
been  addicted  to  the  drinking  of  vodka,  a coarse  spirit  made  from 
rye.  In  the  old  days  of  serfdom  the  evil  of  alcoholism  was  very 
great  indeed.  In  more  modern  times  the  vodka  seller  became  not 
only  publican,  but  money-lender,  pawnbroker,  and  often 
employer.  In  numbers  of  cases,  although  the  peasantry  were 
no  longer  serfs  to  the  nobility,  they  had  become  serfs  to  the 
sellers  of  vodka.  Laws  and  edicts  were  issued,  but  all  to  no 
purpose ; such  methods  are  useless  in  attempting  to  keep  in  check 
the  liquor  traflfic,  even  in  an  autocratic  country  like  Russia.  The 
evils  became  so  great  that  the  Government  took  drastic  action 
cigainst  the  vodka  sellers  in  the  four  Eastern  provinces.  On 
January  ist,  1895,  about  100,000  vodka  shops  were  closed,  and 
the  whole  of  the  retail  spirit  traffic  passed  into  the  hands  of  the 
Government.  State  vodka  shops  were  opened  in  these  four 
provinces.  The  bishops  and  clergy  attended  the  inauguration, 
and  blessed  the  drink  and  everything  connected  with  the  liquor 
traffic.  Men  and  women  of  noble  birth  also  attended  the  open- 
ing ceremonies,  and  acted  as  barmen  and  barmaids  in  serving 


74 


out  the  first  corked  and  sealed  bottles  of  vodka.  The  spirit  is 
only  sold  in  corked  and  sealed  bottles,  and  must  not  be  drunk 
upon  the  premises,  no  drinking  vessels  or  corkscrews  being 
allowed  to  be  kept  by  the  manager.  No  credit  must  be  given  or 
any  goods  taken  in  pawn.  No  children,  nor  any  person  who  is 
in  a drunken  state,  can  be  served.  The  vodka  shops  must  be 
closed  on  Christmas  day.  Ash  Wednesday,  and  Good  Friday. 
They  must  be  closed  on  all  pay-days,  if  near  a factory ; also  at 
6 p.m.  on  the  eve  of  any  great  national  holiday,  and  on  all  days 
when  the  village  council  is  meeting.  The  monopoly  is  confined 
to  the  retail  sale  of  spirits,  beer  and  wine  being  sold  in  saloons 
as  formerly. 

In  taking  this  step  for  the  establishment  of  a State 
monopoly,  the  Government  declared  that  their  object  was  to 
“ attempt  to  decrease  drunkenness  and  to  secure  an  increase  of 
revenue  from  the  traffic.  ” A large  number  of  counter-attractions 
were  established,  such  as  coffee  houses,  concert  halls,  etc.,  but 
aggressive  Temperance  organisations,  like  the  Good  Templars, 
were,  and  are  still,  prohibited  from  being  formed.  On  this  point 
the  Hon.  E.  Wavrinsky,  a member  of  the  Upper  Chamber  of  the 
Riksdag  of  Sweden,  and  International  Chief  of  the  Good  Tem- 
plars, had  a most  interesting  interview  in  191 1 with  Prime 
Minister  Stolypin,  and  it  was  hoped  that  the  result  would  have 
been  the  withdrawal  of  the  prohibition.  The  assassination  of 
M.  Stolypin,  however,  put  an  end  to  the  project  for  some  time. 
While,  no  doubt,  the  counter-attractions  are  enjoyed  by  the  sober 
and  thrifty,  they  have  proved  of  little  use  in  weaning  the  vodka 
drinker  from  his  evil  habits.  When  the  Government  monopoly 
was  established — as  in  the  case  of  all  of  these  proposals  to  sell 
alcoholic  liquors  by  the  State — it  was  declared  that  there  would 
be  a great  reduction  in  the  consumption  of  spirits,  and  the  then 
Finance  Minister  stated  : — 

“ If  there  should  be  a deficit  in  the  State  revenue  because 
“ the  consumption  of  alcohol  has  fallen,  the  Treasury  will  gain 
“ all  that  it  loses  in  other  ways,  while  at  the  same  time  the  morals 
“ of  the  people  and  their  material  welfare  will  be  greatly 
“ improved.  ” 

Here  we  have  high  ideals  in  the  starting  of  a bad  thing;  the 
Finance  Minister  with  these  principles  passed  away,  and  others 
seeking  only  revenue  took  his  place,  and  the  high  ideals  vanished. 
The  Finance  Minister  of  1907  stated  : — 

“It  is  necessary  to  increase  the  number  of  places  for  the 
“ sale  of  vodka,  and  no  restrictions  must  be  placed  on  fresh 
“ dram-shops  being  opened.” 


So  successful  was  the  monopoly  in  the  Eastern  provinces 
(from  the  revenue  standpoint),  that  the  Government  determined 
to  extend  the  system  to  other  parts  of  Russia,  and  there  is 
g-reat  danger  of  it  being  introduced  into  Finland  and  Siberia. 

The  official  returns  show'  an  enormous  increase  lx)th  in  the 


revenue  and 
follows  ; — 

the  consumption 

of  spirits.  The 

figures  are  as 

Year. 

Roubles. 

£ 

$ 

JS97  ... 

...  280,000,000 

29,750,000 

148,750,000 

1907  ... 

...  707,142,000 

75,^33,837 

375,669,185 

] 908  . . . 

...  709,003,000 

75, 33 J, 168 

376,657,840 

1909’  • • 

...  718,884,000 

76,381,425 

381,907,125 

J910  ... 

...  767,032,000 

81,497,108 

407,485,540 

1911  . . . 
Government 

783,132,000 
estimates  for — 

83,207,775 

416,038,875 

J912  ... 

763,990,000 

81,173,937 

405,869,685 

1913  ... 

...  800,180,000 

85,019,125 

425,095,625 

The  Finance  Minister  says  : “Royalties  have  been  estimated 
at  46,400,000  roubles  more  (;^4,g30,ooo  or  $24,650,000),  chiefly- 
owing  to  the  expected  increase  in  the  consumption  of  Govern- 
ment spirits  (36,200,000  roubles,  ;^3,846,250,  $19,231,250).’’ 
In  the  Budget  report  for  1913  the  Finance  Minister  also  says  : 
“ During  1909-n  there  was  a fresh  rise  in  the  price  charged  for 
Government  spirits.’’ 

Since  the  introduction  of  the  monopoly  the  Government  has 
received  8-i  milliard  roubles  (^903,125,000,  $4,515,625,000) 
gross  for  the  sale  of  spirits,  and  some  6\  milliard  roubles 
(;^'664,o62,ooo,  $3,320,310,000)  in  net  profits. 


Year.  Vedros  (2.7  Gallons). 

1897  16,497,000 

1907  85,467,000 

1908  86,004,000 

1910  89,542,000 

1911  91,650,000 

Government  estimates  for — 

1912  89,000,000 

1913  93.30o>ooo 


Gallons. 

44,541,900 

230,760,900 

232,210,800 

241.763,400 

247,455,000 


240.300.000 

251.910.000 


No  wonder  there  is  an  alarming  amount  of  drunken- 
ness. The  Russian  correspondent  of  the  London  Globe,  writing 
in  1908,  said  : — 

“ So  enormous  has  been  the  increase  in  the  consumption  of 
“ vodka,  that  the  Russian  villages,  which  were  never  prosperous 
“ or  enlightened,  are  now  dying  from  drunkenness.’’ 

The  representative  of  the  London  Daily  Chronicle,  writing 
from  St.  Petersburg  in  1910,  said  : — 


" since  the  Russian  Government  monopolised  the  sale  of 
“ spirits,  drunkenness  has  been  constantly  on  the  increase.  All 
“attempts  to  save  the  people  from  drunkenness,  and  thereby 
“ raise  them,  both  morally  and  economically,  have  hitherto  been 
“of  no  avail.  Before  the  Government  took  over  the  sale  of 
‘ spirits  there  were  villages  in  Russia  where  it  was  impossible 
“ to  buy  vodka,  and  where  the  peasants  were,  comparatively 
“ speaking,  well  to  do.  But  now,  the  Government  is  inundating 
“ most  of  the  villages,  even  the  smallest,  with  a flood  of  spirits. 
“ In  some  villages  the  women  have  been  turned  into  regular 
“ furies,  not  through  their  love  of  alcohol,  but  owing  to  their 
“ hatred  of  it.  In  order  to  save  their  families  from  destruction 
“ they  have,  in  some  districts,  assembled  and  stormed  the 
“ ‘ Kasonki  ’ (the  Government  spirit  shops),  the  offenders  after- 
“ wards  being  severely  punished.,’’ 

Crime  is  enormously  increasing ; so  much  so,  that  at  the 
meeting  of  the  Criminological  Congress,  held  at  Moscow  in 
January,  1909,  the  question  of  alcoholism  came  in  for  consider- 
able discussion.  A resolution  was  adopted  in  favour  of  active 
State  intervention  in  combating  the  evil,  even  if  it  involved  the 
gradual  reduction  of  receipts  from  the  spirit  monopoly.  It  was 
urged  that  pending  the  complete  suppression  of  the  monopoly, 
a portion  of  the  revenue  from  this  source  should  be  devoted  to 
the  foundation  of  educational  establishments,  and  special  institu- 
tions should  be  provided  for  alcoholic  criminals.  Not  only  has 
the  revenue  and  drunkenness  and  crime  increased,  side  by  side 
with  the  increased  consumption  of  spirits,  but  pauperism  and 
suicides  have  increased  by  leaps  and  bounds.  Dealing  with  this 
state  of  things  a Russian  writer  says  : “ The  Government  finds 
it  doubly  profitable  to  spread  its  vodka  among  the  people — 
financially  because  of  the  enormous  revenue  brought  into  its 
coffers,  and  p>olitically  because  a drink-sodden  people  makes  poor 
material  for  a revolution.’’  While  another  writer  exclaims: 
“ It  would  be  beyond  belief  were  the  facts  not  so  notorious,  that 
any  Government  would  deliberately  pursue  a policy  fraught 
with  such  terrible  consequences,  for  the  sake  of  obtaining 
revenue  which  means  the  degradation  and  ruin  of  the  people.’’ 
How  a Government  with  these  facts  before  them  can  continue 
this  traffic  is  almost  incredible. 

The  establishment  of  a national  Parliament — the  Duma— 
was  hailed  by  many  as  an  agency  for  doing  something  in  the 
interest  of  Temperance.  .-Mas,  the  first  and  the  second  Duma 
passed  away  without  anything  being  accomplished.  In  the  third 
Duma,  on  December  loth,  1907,  M.  Chelyshoff,  a peasant 
representative,  gained  considerable  applause  from  the  entire 


77 


Duma  by  a masterly  attack  upon  the  Government  for  forcing 
vodka  shops  upon  the  peasants  simply  to  increase  the  revenue. 
On  December  20th  a motion  was  submitted  and  passed  “ express- 
ing the  hope  that  the  Government  would  restrict  the  sale  of 
alcohol  in  the  famine-stricken  districts.”  Early  in  January, 
igo8,  the  question  was  again  before  the  Duma,  and  the  members 
carried  a motion  calling  upon  the  Government  ‘‘  to  appoint  a 
Commission  to  consider  means  for  the  combating  of  drunken- 
ness,” and  ‘‘  at  the  same  time  endeavour  to  find  new  sources  of 
revenue  in  place  of  that  derived  from  the  sale  of  spirits.”  In 
each  case  the  Government  opposed  the  motion,  but  was  defeated. 
M.  Kramer,  in  one  of  the  debates,  declared  : ‘‘  If  the  Govern- 
ment does  not  take  steps  to  stop  the  evil  there  will  not  be  a sober 
peasant  left  in  Russia  in  ten  years.  The  present  crimes,  such  as 
the  progroms,  and  the  burning  of  estates,  are  due  to  drink.”  The 
only  reply  offered  was  that  of  the  Finance  Minister,  who  stated  : 
‘‘  The  problem  of  combating  drunkenness  is  almost  impossible 
of  solution.” 

In  January,  1911,  M.  Tcheltcheff  raised  the  question  in  the 
Duma,  and  in  a speech  of  some  five  hours’  duration,  is  stated 
to  have  denounced  the  evils  of  alcoholism  with  great  earnestness, 
armed  with  a formidable  array  of  official  statistics.  He  declared 
that  ‘‘one  million  Russians  die  annually  from  alcoholic  excess, 
and  that  this  deplorable  state  of  affairs  must  cease  if  Russia  is  to 
hold  her  own  with  other  nations.”  The  St.  Petersburg  corre- 
spondent of  the  London  Daily  News  writes  : — 

‘‘  Public  opinion  in  Russia  is  thoroughly  roused  to  a sense 
‘‘of  the  danger  to  the  nation  by  the  increasing  drunkenness. 
‘‘  The  protests  in  the  Duma  against  the  forcing  of  vodka  on  un- 
‘‘  willing  communities  in  order  to  increase  the  revenue  of  the 
‘‘  Government,  have  met  with  hearty  approbation  in  the  public 
‘‘  press.  ” 

In  1912  the  question  was  again  before  the  Duma,  and  a Bill 
was  passed,  with  the  approval  of  the  Government,  ‘‘  prohibiting 
the  sale  of  spirits  in  all  Government  institutions  and  businesses, 
except  the  State  vodka  shops ; reducing  the  percentage  of 
alcohol  in  vodka  to  37  per  cent.,  and  prescribing  that  instruction 
shall  be  given  in  the  high  schools  on  the  nature  and  effects  of 
alcohol.”  This  is  the  first  real  step  taken  in  the  interest  of 
Temperance,  although  a very  small  one. 

In  1912  a Commission  was  appointed  by  the  Duma,  to 
enquire  into  the  liquor  question  and  to  report.  The  Commis- 
sion reported  early  in  1913,  and  the  following  items  were  adopted 
by  tbe  Duma  and  sent  to  the  Reicherat  for  their  approval  : — 
(i)  That  the  following  shall  be  placed  on  all  the  labels  of  vodka 


bottles  : “ Man  ! Although  thou  hast  bought  this  spirit,  yel  knov.- 
that  thou  drinkest  poison  which  destroys  thee.  Before  it  is  too 
late,  never  buy  another  bottle.  (Signed)  Minister  of  Finance.” 
(2)  That  money  rewards  shall  be  given  to  the  police  for  finding 
out  secret  spirit  shops.  (3)  That  the  alcoholic  strength  of  vodka 
be  reduced  from  40  per  cent,  to  37  per  cent.  (4)  That  the  small 
spirit  bottles  be  abandoned.  (5)  That  the  resolutions  adopted 
by  the  Anti-Alcoholic  Congress  of  Russia  in  1912  shall  be 
brought  to  the  notice  of  the  orthodox  clergy,  and  especially  the 
higher  ministry  with  a view  to  action  being  taken  to  further  the 
battle  against  alcoholism.  The  Reicherat,  after  very  violent 
debates,  in  February,  1913,  rejected  Nos.  i and  2,  but  gave  per- 
mission to  the  Minister  of  Finance  to  take  the  Arms  of  the 
Empire  away  from  the  vodka  labels.  They  adopted  Nos.  3 
and  4,  and  at  the  March  meeting  No.  5.  At  the  April  meeting 
it  was  decided  to  make  it  obligatory  for  instruction  in  abstinence 
from  alcoholic  liquors  to  be  given  to  all  children  in  the  public 
schools  throughout  Russia.  The  Russian  Minister  of  Marine — 
Admiral  Grigorovitch,  issued  an  order  by  which  the  sailors  in 
the  Russian  Navy,  instead  of  their  customary  grog  ration,  will 
receive  a monthly  payment  of  three  and  a half  roubles  (6s.  3d. 
or  $1.50). 

In  European  Russia  there  is  a population  of  nearly 
120,000,000,  and  with  Poland,  Finland,  Siberia,  and  other 
countries  in  the  Russian  Empire  (which  have  a popula- 
tion of  nearly  50,000,000),  the  total  population  under  the 
Russian  Government  numbers  about  170,000,000.  The  unsuc- 
cessful termination  of  the  Russo-Japanese  War  (1904-5)  led  to 
the  expression  of  a national  feeling  in  favour  of  the  establish- 
ment of  a more  representative  Government.  In  response  to 
this  demand,  the  Imperial  Duma  was  called  into  existence.  The 
first  Duma  was  dissolved  because  its  legislation  was  considered 
too  extreme.  The  second  Duma  met  a similar  fate.  The  third 
Duma  proved  less  revolutionary,  and  it  is  hoped  that  as  the 
people  become  more  used  to  representative  Government,  effect- 
ive legislation  against  the  liquor  traffic  will  be  adopted. 

Finland. — The  Duchy  of  Finland,  of  which  the  Emperor 
of  Russia  is  the  Grand  Duke,  was  for  many  years  cursed  with 
the  private  spirit  system,  similar  to  that  of  Norway  and  Sweden. 
In  1864,  when  this  system  was  abolished,  there  were  over 
twenty  thousand  of  these  stills  for  a population  of  less  than  two 
millions.  The  consumption  of  spirits  is  reported  to  have  been 
over  twenty  litres  per  head  per  annum,  and  the  amount  of  drunk- 
enness was  very  large  indeed.  Temperance  reform  dates  from 
the  abolition  of  the  private  stills,  but  it  was  not  until  1877  that 


79 


total  abstinence  societies  began  to  be  formed.  From  that  time  a 
most  persistent  agitation  has  been  carried  on,  so  that  the  people 
of  Finland  have  become  noted  for  their  sobriety  and  their  ad- 
vanced views  in  favour  of  the  entire  prohibition  of  the  liquor 
traffic.  In  1883  the  Government  passed  an  Act  giving  to  the 
rural  districts  a measure  of  Local  Option,  and  to  the  towns 
power  to  the  Councils  to  adopt  a system  of  Liquor  Trust  Com- 
panies, similar  to  the  Gothenburg  system.  Under  the  Local 
Option  law  the  people  have  practically  driven  the  spirit  traffic 
out  of  the  country  districts.  Dr.  M.  Helenius,  of  Finland, 
speaking  at  the  World’s  Temperance  Congress,  London,  in 
1900,  said  : — 

“ There  are  422  parishes  in  Finland,  representing  a popula- 
“ tion  of  nearly  two  millions,  and  in  all  save  nine,  the  spirit 
“ traffic  has  been  voted  out,” 

and  Herr  E.  Bjorkenheim,  in  reference  to  the  Gothenburg 
system,  has  stated  : — 

‘‘The  experience  of  Finland  with  the  Gothenburg  system 
‘‘  does  not  run  in  a favourable  direction,  and  it  is  evident  that 
‘‘  there  is  a strong  current  of  opinion  against  it  in  the  country. 
‘‘  Temperance  sentiment  in  Finland  is  unanimously  and  decidedly 
‘‘  against  the  system.” 

On  January  ist,  1907,  a new  constitution  came  into  force, 
involving  the  election  of  the  Landtag  (a  Single  Chamber  Parlia- 
ment) by  universal  suffrage  of  both  men  and  women.  The 
electorate  being  increased  from  about  100,000  to  over  1,400,000. 
The  Diet  consists  of  200  members,  women  being  eligible  for 
election.  At  the  first  election  on  this  extended  suffrage,  an  over- 
whelming number  of  Temperance  men,  and  nineteen  Temper- 
ance women,  were  elected,  and  they  declared  for  an  immediate 
prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic.  Upon  the  assembling  of  the 
Landtag,  in  May  1907,  among  the  first  questions  brought  under 
discussion  was  that  of  the  liquor  traffic.  A bill  for  the  entire 
prohibition  of  the  importation,  manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors  was  introduced  and  adopted  without  a division. 
Senator  Stabliberg,  the  head  of  the  Government,  was  the  only 
real  opponent  of  the  measure. 

By  this  Bill  all  traific  in  spirits,  beer,  or  wine  was  strictly 
prohibited ; only  for  medical  and  technical  purposes  could 
alcohol  be  produced,  imported,  stored  or  distributed.  The 
ecclesiastical  use  of  wine  was  also  prohibited,  the  members  de- 
claring that  the  worse  drink  could  not  be  permitted  for  the 
highest  and  best  function  in  the  Christian  Church.  The  only 
exception  made  for  the  use  of  spirits  was  in  favour  of  Russian 


80 


troops  stationed  in  Finland.  Heavy  penalties  were  adopted  for 
violation,  varying-  from  a fine  of  ($20)  to  penal  servitude 
for  three  years.  Carrying-  liquor  involved  the  forfeiture  of  the 
vehicle,  with  horse  and  harness ; similarly  a vessel,  the  princi- 
pal cargo  of  which  consists  of  alcoholic  liquors,  could  be  seized. 
There  was  no  provision  for  compensation  proposed  or  made  for 
any  brewer,  distiller,  or  saloon  ke^er.  The  Bill,  how'ever,  failed 
to  secure  the  signature  of  the  Czar  of  Russia,  and  was  therefore 
inoperative. 

In  the  Session  of  1909  the  question  was  again  considered, 
but  it  was  not  until  1910  that  the  Landtag  passed  a new’  Pro- 
hibition Bill.  This  time  a division  was  challenged  and  the  Bill 
was  passed  by  a majority  of  124,  the  vote  being:  For,  158, 
against  34.  From  all  parts  of  the  country  great  enthusiasm 
was  evinced  in  favour  of  the  Bill,  but  the  influence  of  the  French 
Government  is  reported  to  have  been  so  strongly  exerted  on 
behalf  of  the  treaties  favouring  the  introduction  of  French  w'ines 
into  the  country,  that  again  the  Finnish  people  were  robbed  of 
the  fruits  of  victory.  L’ Abstinence,  in  making  the  announce- 
ment that  the  Czar  of  Russia  had  again  vetoed  the  Measure, 
said  : — 

“ Words  fail  us  to  express  our  indignation  that  in  this 
“ twentieth  century  a people  who  have  so  decidedly  expressed 
“ their  desire  that  this  curse  should  be  taken  from  their  midst, 
“ should  be  denied  their  rights  at  the  demand  of  the  wdne-growers 
“ of  the  country  of  liberty,  equality  and  fraternity.” 

The  International,  after  stating  that  the  Czar’s  refusal  to 
ratify  the  law  was  mainly  on  the  representation  of  France  and 
other  foreign  powers  that  the  prohibition  of  the  importation  of 
alcoholic  liquors  would  be  a violation  of  their  commercial 
treaties,  said  : — - 

” Although  Finland  cannot  look  forw-ard  in  the  near  future 
‘‘  to  the  statutory  abolition  of  the  perils  of  drink,  yet  its  popula- 
‘‘  tion  has  by  voluntary  efforts  curtailed  the  use  of  alcohol  (about 
‘‘  three  pints  per  head  as  compared  w ith  39^  pints  in  France, 
‘‘  19^  in  Great  Britain,  16^  pints  in  Germany),  that  drunkenness 
‘‘  as  a national  scourge  may  be  almost  looked  upon  as  eradi- 
” cated.” 

The  growth  of  Temperance  sentiment  has  become  so  strong 
throughout  the  country,  that  year  after  year  sees  a further 
advance  of  Prohibition  in  the  towns.  In  May,  1907,  Tamefor, 
a typical  working-class  centre,  with  a population  of  over  25,000, 
had  the  question  of  prohibiting  the  Company  Liquor  Shops  under 
consideration,  and  at  the  request  of  the  people  the  Citv  Council 
decided  not  to  issue  any  more  liquor  licences.  This  is  the  largest 


SI 


city  in  Northern  Europe  to  adopt  Prohibition.  The  results  are 
declared  by  the  authorities  to  be  “most  satisfactory.’’  As  to 
public  opinion  on  the  whole  question,  Dr.  Matti  Helenius- 
Seppala,  M.P. , states; — 

“ Let  me  submit  the  few  following  facts.  All  the  news- 
“ papers  of  any  Influence  in  the  Finnish  language  are  refusing 
“ to  accept  advertisements  of  alcoholic  liquors.  In  the  restaur- 
“ ants  of  our  National  Parliament,  of  our  National  Theatre,  and 
“ of  the  House  of  Finnish  Students,  you  cannot  get  any  kind  of 
“ alcoholic  liquors,  and  you  cannot  find  a single  house  or  club 
“ of  Finnish  working  men  where  the  serving  of  alcoholic  liquors 
“ is  allowed.  The  adoption  of  Prohibition  by  our  Parliament 
“ was  only  the  evolution  of  natural  progress.  As  Secretary  of  the 
“ Parliamentary  Committee  I do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  the 
“Finnish  Parliament  will  again  pass  the  Prohibition  law.’’ 

This  opinion  is  supported  by  the  fact  that  at  the  last  General 
Election  (1912)  the  question  of  Prohibition  was  most  promi- 
nently before  the  electors,  and  resulted  in  a complete  triumph  for 
the  Prohibitionists.  This  fact,  together  with  the  knowledge  that 
the  Drink  Bill  of  Finland  is  the  lowest  in  Europe,  is  a warrant 
for  believing  that  the  people  are  at  the  back  of  the  movement  to 
secure  the  entire  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic,  and  that  the 
agitation  will  continue  until  it  is  made  the  law  of  the  land. 
Another  hopeful  sign  is  the  fact  that  a great  deal  of  instruction 
regarding  the  action  of  alcohol  upon  the  human  system,  is  being 
given  in  all  the  public  schools  of  Finland,  the  General  School 
Board  encouraging  the  teachers  to  bring  this  subject  repeatedly 
forward,  even  in  the  ordinary  and  everyday  lessons. 

The  Baltic  Provinces. — About  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth 
century,  M.  Anton  Rudeet,  a Russian  author,  tells  us  that 
“ owing  to  the  terrible  evils  arising  from  the  drinking  of  vodka, 
an  energetic  movement  for  total  abstinence  was  inaugurated  by 
Pastor  Treej  among  the  Slav  population  of  the  Russian  Baltic 
Provinces.  Pastor  Kellibrant,  who  formed  the  first  Lithuanian 
Total  Abstinence  Society,  became  the  real  leader  of  the  move- 
ment, and  under  his  leadership  thousands  of  people  became  total 
abstainers,  resulting  in  an  enormous  betterment  to  the  whole 
community.’’  In  vodka  shops  where  on  Sundays  30  to  60 
gallons  of  spirits  had  been  sold,  only  a few  kopecks  were  now 
spent,  and  the  people  at  large  took  to  celebrating  their  weddings, 
christenings,  name-days,  and  harvest  feasts  without  a drop  of 
intoxicants.  This  result  of  the  Temperance  movement  led  to 
protests  being  made  by  those  interested  in  the  liquor  traffic.  At 
Marienberg,  where  by  the  action  of  Pastor  Hirgenson  a most 
aggressive  Temperance  Society  had  been  formed,  bitter  com- 


G 


S2 

plaints  were  sent  to  the  highest  church  authorities  and  the  courts, 
with  the  result  the  society  was  compulsorily  closed,  and 
similar  repression  was  rapidly  made  of  other  local  societies  in 
the  most  relentless  manner,  until  not  a single  total  abstinence 
society  remained.  The  movement,  however,  was  not  killed,  for 
M.  Anton  Rudeet  further  says  ; — 

“ That  wonderful  and  memorable  episode  in  the  life  of  the 
“ nation  was  in  reality  the  beginning  of  a new  era  in  Lettish 
“ history.  It  gave  a new  impetus  to  literature,  to  art,  and  to  the 
“general  intelligence  of  the  race.  It  made  them  a new  people, 
“ notwithstanding  the  brevity  of  the  strange  and  glorious  revolu- 
“ tion.  To-day  the  vast  majority  of  the  Letts  are  reported  to  be 
“ total  abstainers.  In  nearly  every  household  the  women  are 
“ the  moral  leaders,  while  in  society  they  are  the  purifying 
“ angels.  ’’ 

Many  of  the  Russian  vodka  distilleries  run  by  the  Govern- 
ment h^ve  been  set  up  in  these  Baltic  Provinces,  and  the  re- 
formers are  naturally  opposed  by  those  interested  in  this  huge 
traffic  in  spirits.  The  “ Affsecles  Union  ” (Temperance  Club) 
has  its  headquarters  in  Riga,  with  branch  clubs  in  other  parts 
of  the  country.  Miss  Elisabeth  von  Grewingk,  of  Riga,  has 
secured  a number  of  members  of  the  Good  Templar  Order, 
formed  a branch  of  the  W.W.C.T.  U. , and  is  conducting  a most 
successful  children’s  movement.  Numbers  of  men  and  youths, 
together  with  the  women,  are  joining  the  movements,  and  it  is 
gratifying  to  know  that  while  many  are  connected  with  the 
working  classes,  others  are  connected  with  the  most  eminent 
families,  so  that  unless  the  Russian  Government  interfere,  the 
next  few'  years  will  doubtless  w'itness  great  Temperance  progress 
in  these  Russian  Baltic  Provinces. 


CHAPTER  VTI 


The  German  Empire 

“ Germany  has  won  a prominent  place  among  the  nations  because  ot  the 
physical,  mental,  and  moral  qualifications  of  her  people  ; but  the  maintenance 
of  its  present  position  will  become  more  and  more  difficult  as  the  nation 
becomes  more  deeply  involved  in  international  relations.  But  still  more 
threatening  are  the  dangers  resulting  from  rapid  internal  development — 
moral  insensibility  and  degenerac}',  with  their  resulting  conditions.  Under 
these  circumstances  alcoholism  becomes  fatal  to  our  place  among  the 
nations.  It  undermines  the  economic  foundations  of  Germany’s  inter- 
national position  by  diminishing  efficiency,  and  its  internal  development  by 
the  corruption  of  its  youth  at  the  most  dangerous  time  in  moral  growth, 
while  at  all  other  ages  it  undermines  the  self-control  so  essential  to  a society 
or  nation.” — Dr.  Fuch,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  in  Karlsruhe,  at  the 
Univeisity  of  Kiel  ( 1909 ). 


The  Temperance  movement  in  Germany  is  of  very  modern 
growth.  In  about  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth  century  there 
was  a strong  movement  made  in  Prussia  and  the  north  against 
spirit  drinking,  which  attained  a considerable  amount  of  success. 
In  Silesia,  it  is  stated,  over  half  a million  men  and  women 
abandoned  the  use  of  spirits,  and  in  consequence  of  this  the 
revenue  from  spirits  showed  a large  decrease.  The  political 
disturbances  of  1848  put  an  end  to  this  movement,  and  the  efforts 
for  National  Unity,  together  with  the  quarrel  with  France,  which 
led  up  to  the  great  Franco-German  War  of  1870,  prevented 
any  re-opening  of  the  Temperance  movement  until  after  the  re- 
construction period.  It  was  not,  therefore,  until  1883,  that  any 
organised  efforts  were  put  forth  in  favour  of  total  abstinence 
principles  or  for  any  legislative  interference  with  the  liquor 
traffic.  In  that  year  the  Good  Templar  Order  was  introduced 
into  Germany,  and  the  German  Society  Against  the  Abuse  of 
Alcoholic  Drinks  was  formed.  The  Good  Templars  have  become 
a great  power  for  good,  while  the  W.W.C.T. U.  and  other 
societies  have  also  become  strong  and  powerful.  The  move- 
ment in  Germany  appears  to  have  largely  developed  on  scientific 
and  industrial  lines,  and  the  best  men  in  both  these  departments 
of  national  life  are  taking  a leading  part  against  alcoholism. 

Beer-drinking  Germans  are  rapidly  learning  that  alcohol — 
whether  in  beer  or  wine,  or  in  the  stronger  liquors — is  danger- 
ous to  the  physical,  moral  and  economical  advancement  of  the 
people.  The  leading  scientific  men  are  constantly  making  re- 
markable utterances  against  the  dangers  of  alcoholism  and  the 
advantages  of  total  abstinence,  and  several  speeches  by  the 


84 


Emperor  of  Germany  have  been  made  against  the  use  of  alcoholic 
liquors.  Speaking  at  Muervvick,  near  Flensburg,  in  November, 
igio,  the  Emperor  said  :■ — 

“ I have  great  pleasure  in  seeing  that  in  the  German  Navy 
“ there  are  now  Naval  Lodges  of  the  Good  Templars  instituted, 
“ of  which  some  officers  and  a great  many  of  the  members  of  the 
“crews  are  members.  To  join  these  Lodges  cannot  be  too 
“ strongly  recommended.  Typical,  in  this  direction,  is  Great 
“ Britain,  where  more  than  20,000  officers  and  crew  are  ab- 
“ Stainers.  The  alcohol  question  is  one  for  our  Navy  and  for 
“our  people;  therefore  renounce  the  alcoholic  drinks  and  you 
“ will  help  to  raise  my  people  morally.” 

The  Emperor  further  said 

“ In  the  next  naval  war,  victory  will  belong  to  that  nation 
“ which  shows  the  smallest  consumption  of  alcohol.” 

From  investigation  it  has  been  found  that  the  use  of  alcohol 
by  those  insured  under  the  National  Insurance  .Act  of  1885,  is 
very  destructive  of  health.  Mr.  Hansen,  of  Kiel,  Landerset  Coun- 
sellor for  Insurance,  stated  at  a Scientific  Gathering  in  Berlin 
in  igio  : — 

“ The  use  of  alcohol  by  the  working  classes  has  a dis- 
“ proportionate  influence  in  increasing  his  burden.  It  is  now  well- 
“ known  to  be  enormous,  and  for  this  reason  the  officials  have 
“ not  been  idle  about  it.  In  the  campaign  against  tuberculosis, 
“ the  close  connection  of  this  destructive  disease  with  the  equally 
“ widespread  and  menacing  alcoholism  is  made  unmistakeable. 
“ Both  prey  upon  the  marrow  of  our  people;  both  produce  the 
“ same  results;  they  injure  the  physical,  mental,  and  economical 
“ welfare  of  the  individual  and  the  community,  and  future 
“ generations  as  well  as  the  present.” 

Hundreds  of  similar  statements  might  be  quoted,  showing 
that  the  most  learned  Professors  and  public  men  of  Germany 
are  fast  becoming  alive  to  the  terrible  dangers  of  alcoholism. 
The  Imperial  Board  of  Health  is  also  concerning  itself  about 
the  burdens  imposed  upon  the  nation  by  alcohol,  and  have 
issued  a series  of  leaflets  warning  the  people  of  their  danger. 
These  are  being  circulated  by  the  tens  of  thousands,  while  a 
number  of  medical  men  and  others  are  attending  meetings  of 
the  insured  urging  the  members  to  abandon  the  use  of  all  alco- 
holic liquors. 

The  changing  attitude  of  Labour  is  remarkable.  From  ven,' 
early  times  the  taking  of  intoxicating  liquors  has  been  common 
among  the  working  classes,  but  during  the  past  twenty  years  a 
most  wonderful  change  has  taken  place.  To-day  the  leaders 
and  organisations  of  working  men  are  taking  an  active  part  in 


85 


weaning  the  people  from  the  alcoholic  habit.  The  National 
Industrial  Congress,  held  in  Hamburg  during  the  summer  of 
1909,  passed  the  following  resolution  : — 

“ The  Industrial  Congress  recognises  it  has  one  of  the  most 
“ important  objects  of  the  industrial  movement  to  oppose  the 
“ devastation  of  alcoholism  by  instruction  and  other  practical 
“means.  It  is  therefore  to  the  interest  of  industry  to  remove 
“ from  all  gatherings  and  institutions  of  all  kinds  every  coercion 
“to  drink,  and  to  restrict  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  either 
“ entirely  or  as  much  as  possible.  Business  establishments 
“ should  not  be  located  in  public-houses,  nor  be  under  the  con- 
“ trol  of  innkeepers.’’ 

The  members  of  the  Congress  also  decided  to  tax.  them- 
selves one  mar-k  (is.)  a year  for  the  promotion  of  the  anti- 
alcoholic  movement  among  the  working  people  of  Germany. 
In  the  report  of  the  Prussian  Government  Trades  Inspection  for 
1911,  we  have  this  significant  statement : — 

“ The  effort  of  the  labour  organisations  to  limit  the  use  of 
“ alcoholic  liquors  among  their  members  is  even  more  notice- 
“ able.  The  Wood-workers’  Union  of  Bielefeld  seems  especially 
“ successful  in  this  respect.  The  use  of  spirits  among  them  has 
“ practically  ceased,  beer-drinking — especially  during  pauses  in 
“ work — is  growing  less  and  less.  Milk  is  taking  the  place  of 
“ beer.  ’’ 

In  1912  the  German  Imperial  Statistical  Office  published 
some  very  remarkable  and  valuable  information  respecting  the 
effects  of  alcohol  upon  the  efficiency  and  health  of  those  engaged 
in  the  higher  and  lower  branches  of  Industry.  The  editor  of  this 
data  informs  us  that  only  persons  were  classed  as  alcoholics 
whose  drinking  habits  were  so  pronounced  that  the  doctors 
indicated  them  as  heavy  drinkers,  or  marked  them  in  a way  to 
denote  drunkenness,  dipsomania,  or  delirium  tremens.  These 
statistics  are  striking,  as  they  show  on  the  one  hand  the  inability 
of  the  heavy  drinker  to  continue  to  do  the  work  requiring  much 
skill,  care  and  attention,  while  on  the  other  hand  they  show  that 
numbers  of  skilled  workmen,  who  have  become  heavy  drinkers, 
gravitate  to  unskilled  callings,  such  as  street  work  and  farm 
labour.  Again,  in  the  first  section  the  health  of  the  drinkers 
appears  only  a little  less  favourable  than  the  average,  but  in  the 
second  section  it  is  strikingly  different.  A large  part  of  the  time 
the  drinkers  were  under  observation  they  were  unable  to  work. 
They  were  sick  12.6  days  out  of  a hundred,  which  is  stated  to  be 
more  than  is  the  case  with  very  old  people.  Beginning  with  his 
twenty-fourth  year,  the  drinker’s  attacks  of  sickness  were  2.6 
times  as  frequent  as  those  of  the  average,  and  the  disparity  kept 
increasing  year  by  year.  The  same  was  true  of  the  duration  of 


1 


86 


sickness.  These  statistics  show  what  has  long  been  known  to 
the  doctors,  that  alcoholism  increases  the  danger  of  accidents 
and  prolongs  recovery,  and  that  the  alcoholics  of  all  callings 
show  a similarly  greater  frequency  than  the  general  class  to 
attacks  (jf  such  diseases  as  pneumonia,  catarrh  of  the  stomach, 
muscular  rheumatism,  and  laryngitis.  These  statistical  facts 
are  being  published  broadcast  throughout  Germany,  and  are 
doing  much  to  awaken  the  people  to  the  danger  of  alcoholism. 

The  changed  attitude  of  the  employers  of  labour  is  also  very 
remarkable.  In  the  building  trade,  the  railway  system,  the 
chemical  industry,  and  other  large  centres  of  employment, 
organised  efforts  are  being  put  forward  against  the  liquor  traffic. 
The  following,  issued  by  the  chemical  industry  employers,  is  a 
fair  sample  of  what  the  German  masters  are  doing  to  support 
the  men  in  their  tight  against  intoxicating  liquors  : — 

“ We  urge  our  members  to  use  every  opportunity  to  set 
“ before  their  workmen  the  disadvantage  of  the  use  of  alcohol. 
“ Among  these  are  the  useless  expenditure  of  money,  the  weak- 
“ ening  of  their  own  health  and  that  of  their  children,  and  the 
“consequent  diminished  resistance  to  disease;  the  greater 
“ liability  to  accidents  among  men  who  are  not  total  abstainers, 
“particularly  among  machines;  the  earlier  invalidism  and  the 
“ diminished  income.  We  urge  our  members  to  oppose  the  use 
“ of  alcohol  by  all  means,  by  providing  non-alcoholic  drinks, 
“ such  as  cold  coffee  and  mineral  water  in  summer,  and  hot 
“ drinks  in  winter;  also  by  the  dissemination  of  popular  litera- 
“ ture,  by  the  erection  of  proper  places  of  amusement  for  the 
“ hands  in  large  factories,  of  reading-rooms,  workmen’s  homes, 
“ or  rather  homes  in  which  alcohol  is  excluded,  by  young 
“ people’s  societies,  which  will  keep  young  people  off  the  streets 
“ and  away  from  the  drinking  places.  No  alcohol  should  be 
“allowed  in  factories,  particularly  on  account  of  the  danger 
“ from  accident.  Infringement  of  the  order  should  be  punished. 
“ .Any  who  appear  on  the  premises  under  the  influence  of  liquor 
“ should  be  discharged.’’ 

The  various  Government  departments  in  connection  with  the 
great  railway  system  have  taken  the  Temperance  question  into 
their  most  earnest  consideration,  and  the  instructions  issued  to 
the  employees  are  year  by  year  becoming  more  stringent.  The 
Director-General  of  the  railways  in  .Alsace-Lorrain,  issued  in 
igoS  a general  order  forbidding  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors 
during  working  hours.  This  order  applied  to  all  grades  in  the 
service  and  to  all  hours  of  the  day.  .A  first  offence  is  punishable 
by  loss  of  grade,  and  a second  offence  by  dismissal. 

In  September,  igog,  a welcome  movement  against  spirit 
drinking  broke  out  among  the  workers,  by  way  of  protest  against 


S7 


the  new  indirect  taxation  imposed  by  the  Government  in  con- 
nection with  their  financial  reform.  The  German  Social  Demo- 
crats decided  to  boycott  the  use  of  spirits,  and  the  boycott  became 
very  general.  In  March,  1910,  the  German  Labour  Gazette, 
Reichsarbeitsblatt,  published  a comparison  of  the  consumption 
of  spirits  during  the  five  months  of  October,  1909,  to  February, 
1910,  with  that  in  the  similar  period  of  the  preceding  year,  from 
which  it  appears  that  the  consumption  dropped  from  23.6  million 
gallons  to  16.2  million  gallons,  or  over  31  per  cent.  The  Pro- 
gressive papers  greeted  this  success  of  the  Socialists  more  from 
the  point  of  view  of  Temperance  reform  than  on  account  of  the 
material  damage  caused  to  the  Exchequer.  It  is  gratifying  to 
know  that  this  movement  has  not  died  out,  for  there  is  still 
the  ‘ schnapps  boycott.  ’ Thousands  of  working  men  having 
found  that  milk  was  a better  beverage  than  spirits,  have  con- 
tinued the  practice  of  total  abstinence,  and  have  become  Tem- 
perance workers. 

The  exposure  of  the  evils  connected  with  the  German  Beer 
Gardens  has  had  a good  effect,  not  only  in  Germany,  but 
throughout  the  world.  Many  thought  that  these  places  were 
ideal.  “There,”  it  was  stated,  “ the  parents  could  sit  drinking 
their  beer,  surrounded  by  their  children  and  relations,  the  sounds 
of  a good  band  blending  with  the  delightful  song  of  the  nightin- 
gale, and  the  silvery  sheen  of  the  moonlight  with  the  bewitching 
illuminations  of  the  garden.”  How  different  the  reality  from 
this  fancy  picture.  Herr  F.  Hahnel,  referring  to  this  descrip- 
tion, says  : — 

“I  wonder  if  the  writer  has  ever  seen  life  in  the  beer-gardens 
“ of  our  big  German  towns,  with  their  cabarets,  prostitution, 
“ demi-mondanes,  and  other  degradations?  Hardly;  and  if  he 
“ has,  his  view  must  have  been  blurred  by  the  continuous  carry- 
“ ing  of  beer  mugs.” 

The  talented  German  authoress,  Mrs.  Rosa  Voigt,  who 
knows  the  condition  of  these  beer  gardens  intimately,  gives  the 
following  description  of  “ A Great  Beer  Garden  in  Bavaria”  ; — 

“ The  fittings  consist  only  of  a number  of  tables  and  chairs, 
“ hundreds  of  men,  women,  and  children  sit  round,  each  with  a 
“ mug  of  beer.  A noise  of  shouting  and  thumping  on  the  tables 
“ makes  it  impossible  for  a word  to  be  heard.  Waitresses  carry 
“ their  loads  of  glasses  and  mugs  full  of  foaming  beer.  Here  is 
“ a young  man,  with  pallid,  emaciated  face  and  bleared  eyes, 
“ taking  the  last  coin  from  his  purse  to  pay  for  a mug  of  beer. 
“ Dull,  bleared  eyes  stare  at  the  tables,  and  coarse,  unfriendly 
“ speeches  are  made — then  a quarrel  begins  which  threatens  to 
“ become  a fight.  Here  a young  man  murmurs  into  the  ears  of 
“ the  girl  next  to  him  ugly  words  that  make  her  blush  violently. 


ss 


“ There  Is  a table  of  students,  drinking  to  the  word  of  command, 
“ and  making  their  well-known  jokes,  which  are  received  with 
“ noisy  laughter.  Here  is  one  who  curses  God  and  Authority, 
“ and  all  State  Government.  All  one  sees  and  hears  is  animated 
“ by  the  same  spirit — alcohol;  and  the  people  have  their  Sunday 
“ clothes  on,  for  is  it  not  the  Lord’s  Day?” 

Dr.  Kraut,  of  Hamburg,  issued  a circular  in  1910  to  a 
number  of  authorities  throughout  Germany,  asking  for  infor- 
mation respecting  these  beer  gardens,  and  the  following  state- 
ment was  afterwards  issued 

‘‘  Although  it  is  not  possible  to  obtain  figures  of  the  con- 
‘‘  sumption  of  beer  in  these  gardens,  the  answers  clearly  point  to 
‘‘  the  fact  that  these  Beer  Gardens  and  Cafes  are  just  as  much 
” a cause  of  alcoholism  as  any  other  bar  where  alcohol  is  sold. 
” The  more  imposing  the  outer  appearance  of  such  a place,  the 
‘‘  greater  its  temptation,  and  the  more  dangerous  it  is  to  the 
” young  people.  These  open  drinking  places  have  been  the  prime 
‘‘cause  contributing  to  the  circumstance  that  the  women  of 
‘‘  Germany,  who,  fifty  years  ago,  were  almost  total  abstainers 
‘‘  from  alcohol,  now  consider  the  drinking  of  beer  and  wine  con- 
‘‘sistent  with  propriety,  and  so  contributed  to  the  fact  that  in 
‘‘Germany  during  the  last  twenty  years  ending  1899,  the  con- 
‘‘  sumption  of  alcohol,  and  particularly  of  beer,  has  risen  to 
‘‘  such  an  extent.  It  is  pleasing,  however,  to  know'  that  during 
■ ‘ the  last  ten  years  there  has  been  a steady  decrease  in  the 
‘‘general  consumption  of  alcohol.” 

Figures  for  1909  show  that  an  average  of  29.37  gallons 
were  consumed  by  every  man,  woman  and  child  in  the  empire, 
whicli  was  nearly  four  gallons  less  than  the  average  per  capita 
in  the  year  1900.  This  decrease  has  been  gradual  and  is  not 
owing  to  any  sudden  change  in  conditions,  as  the  following  table 
will  show  ; — 


Total  consumption.  Consumption  per  capita, 
g^allons.  g^allons. 

1900  1,835,960,000  33-0- 

1901  1,875,480,000  3“-78 

1902  1,846,310,000  30-79 

1904 1,921,970,000  31.54 

1907  1,924,270,000  31-04 

1908  1,940,420,000  31-22 

1909  1,864,440,000  -9-37 


With  a view'  to  decreasing  the  evils  of  the  German  Beer 
Gardens,  the  Central  Police  Office  in  Munich  issued  a notice  in 
1910  forbidding  children  of  school  age  being  taken  to  the  salvator 
bars,  and  children  not  of  school  age  from  being  taken  to  the 
salvator  cellar.  The  Munich  Neusten  Nachrichten  of  March 
nth,  1910,  referring  to  this  order,  said  : — 


89 


“ One  can  be  an  opponent  of  grandmotherly  police  legisla- 
“ tion,  and  yet  be  in  agreement  with  this  measure  on  the  part 
“ of  the  police.  Those  who  know  what  goes  on  at  the  Salvator 
“ Cellar,  those  who  share  the  view — increasing  and  supported 
“ by  medical  opinion — that  growing  youths  must  be  kept  from 
“ alcohol  as  much  as  possible,  will  welcome  this  prohibition.  We 
“ do  not  want  the  Government-controlled  liquor  system  of 
“ Sweden  imported  into  Munich,  but  when  a special  prohibition 
“ like  this  is  worked  in  an  educational  manner,  it  is  to  be  heartily 
“ welcomed.  ” 

Another  step  in  the  Temperance  uplift  of  Germany  is  to  be 
found  in  the  method  of  treating  the  victims  of  the  liquor  traffic. 
The  prison  treatment  is  fast  disappearing  and  the  inebriate  home 
is  taking  its  place,  but  better  still,  the  plan,  so  well  known  as 
the  “ Pollard  Plan,”  through  having  been  first  introduced  by 
Judge  Pollard  at  St.  Louis,  by  which  the  drunkard  is  liberated 
on  condition  of  signing  the  total  abstinence  pledge  for  a stated 
period  and  reporting  himself  to  the  authorities.  In  August, 
1911,  the  Ministry  of  State  of  the  Principality  of  Lippe  issued 
the  following  order  : — 

‘‘  After  inquiry  from  the  authorities  concerned,  and  with 
‘‘  the  gracious  consent  of  His  Highness,  the  Prince,  the  Pollard 
‘‘  System  is  to  be  used  in  this  country  experimentally,  in  suitable 
‘‘cases,  in  such  a way  that  convicted  persons,  who  are  drunk- 
‘‘  ards,  especially  if  their  offence  was  committed  while  they  were 
“ intoxicated,  are  to  have  the  prospect  of  having  the  whole 
“ punishment  remitted  on  the  condition  that  during  a certain 
‘‘  period  they  abstain  from  alcohol  altogether,  and  during  such 
‘‘period  commit  no  further  offences.  In  carrying  out  this 
‘‘  measure,  the  Ministry  of  State  relies  upon  the  co-operation  of 
‘‘  the  Good  Templar  Lodges  and  the  Blue  Cross  Associations 
‘‘which  exist  in  this  country.” 

With  a view  to  introducing  the  Pollard  Plan  Into  the  differ- 
ent German  States  a special  committee  of  the  German  Abstainer’s 
Union  is  at  work,  and  Dr.  Otto  Bauer,  the  well-known  justice, 
is  lecturing  throughout  the  whole  of  the  fatherland.  The  Plan 
has  been  in  operation  in  the  State  of  Hessen  and  the  State  of 
Liibeck.  Other  State  authorities  are  considering  the  matter  and 
are  expected  to  adopt  the  plan  in  the  near  future. 

The  National  Insurance  Societies  have  also  entered  into 
the  struggle  against  alcoholism.  In  Wiirtemberg,  Bavaria,  and 
other  portions  of  Southern  Germany,  these  societies  have  issued 
orders  forbidding  the  use  of  alcoholic  liquors  in  the  workshops. 
Beer  is  expressly  included  in  some  of  these  orders,  even  in 
Bavaria.  Superintendents  are  charged  to  provide  good,  pure 
drinking  water.  The  Insurance  Societies  of  the  Rhine  provinces 
have  entered  into  an  agreement  with  the  Temperance  Societies 


90 


with  a view  to  assisting  drunkards  after  their  treatment  in  the 
inebriate  homes.  The  Westphalian  Society  use  the  dismissal 
card  as  a means  of  putting  into  the  hands  of  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  workmen  and  their  families,  literature  pointing  out 
the  dangers  of  alcohol.  The  Insurance  Companies  of  Silesia 
have  had  copies  of  a lecture  on  insurance  and  alcoholism,  by 
Counsellor  Weymann,  printed  in  leaflet  form  and  distributed  to 
the  officials  of  the  company.  The  Insurance  Company  of  Hessen 
has  had  erected  in  its  Tuberculosis  Museum  a department  con- 
taining illustrated  charts  of  statistical  findings  on  the  injurious 
effects  of  alcohol.  The  doctor  who  explains  the  chart  to  visitors, 
calls  emphatic  attention  to  the  consequences  of  alcoholism,  and 
hands  to  everyone  a copy  of  the  ALkoholmerkblatt,  the  pamphlet 
issued  by  the  Imperial  Board  of  Health.  Similar  work  is  being 
done  by  the  Insurance  Societies  in  Mecklenburg,  Hamburg, 
Bremen  and  Liibeck.  Many  of  these  societies  have  also  voted 
large  sums  of  money  to  the  Good  Templars  and  other  Temper- 
ance organisations,  to  assist  in  the  building  of  Halls,  the  main- 
tenance of  coffee  and  milk  depots. 

The  German  Temperance  Reformers  are  aiming  at  creating 
a great  body  of  public  opinion  against  alcoholism,  and  at  increas- 
ing largely  the  number  of  abstainers,  and  they  also  wish  to  show 
the  people  and  the  members  of  the  Reichstag  that  laws  must 
be  passed  supporting  the  moral  uplift  of  the  nation.  There  are 
huge  difficulties  in  front  of  the  German  Prohibitionists,  but  they 
are  a brave  and  determined  body  of  men  and  women,  and  will 
doubtless  accomplish  their  object  in  due  course.  The  German 
Empire  is  a Confederate  League  in  accordance  with  the  Con- 
stitution adopted  in  April,  1871,  and  has  a population  (1910)  of 
65,000,000.  'Phe  King  of  Prussia  is  the  hereditary  President 
under  the  title  of  German  Emperor.  The  legislative  authority 
is  in  the  hands  of  the  Brundesrat  (the  Federal  Council]  and  the 
Reichstag  (the  Representative  .\ssemblyj.  The  Brundesrat  is 
composed  of  61  persons  nominated  by  the  various  State  Govern- 
ments ; and  the  Reichstag  is  composed  of  397  Deputies  elected 
by  universal  suffrage.  The  chief  States  are  Prussia,  Bavaria, 
Saxony  and  Wurtemburg,  Baden  and  Hesse,  Mecklenburg- 
Schwerin  and  Brunswick,  Alsace-Lorraine,  and  the  three  Hausc 
Towns.  This  Nation  is  divided  into  26  States,  each  having 
its  own  laws  and  regulations  dealing  with  the  production  and 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  These  laws  and  regulations  refer 
simply  to  what  is  called  the  “ misuse  of  alcoholic  liquors,”  and 
generally  affect  spirits,  very  seldom  touching  beer  or  wine. 
Herr  Franziskus  Hahnel,  Past  President  of  the  German  Federa- 
tion .Against  .►Mcohollsm,  says  : — 


91 


“ Our  laws  are  of  a very  old  style.  For  all  precincts  of 
“ Germany,  the  so-called  ‘ Gewerbeordnung  ’ (trade  regulation) 
“ give  the  rules  for  licence  and  trade.  In  some  parts  of  Prussia 
“ there  is  a kind  of  high  licence  system,  without  any  reference 
“ to  the  reduction  of  saloons  or  alcohol-production.  Since  1897, 
“ Germany  has  by  law  the  question  of  urgency,  but  it  is  put 
“ into  force  by  very  few  towns  or  cities.  When  these  have  more 
“ than  15,000  inhabitants  they  may  institute  the  question  of 
“ urgency,  not  only  for  spirits,  but  also  for  beer  and  wine.  The 
“ managing  of  these  regulations  is,  however,  a very  difficult  one. 

‘ ‘ The  licensing  boards  have  very  seldom  members  who  know 
“ anything  of  the  alcohol  question.  The  German  laws,  bad  as 
“ they  are,  will  not  be  altered  until  our  cause  has  conquered 
“ every  State  and  precinct,  and  we  will  do  our  duty  and  arrive  at 
“ this  result  as  early  as  possible.” 

We  see  how  this  good  work  is  being  forwarded  in  scientific 
and  industrial  ranks.  The  politicians  are  also  advancing,  but  as 
usual  much  slower  than  the  others.  In  the  Senate  of  Liibeck, 
the  following  ordinance  was  passed  in  January,  1909,  to  provide 
against  the  dangers  to  life  and  health  from  alcoholism  : — 

” The  use  of  alcoholic  liquors,  such  as  wine,  beer  and  spirits, 
” during  working  hours  is  forbidden.  Care  must  be  taken  to 
‘‘  provide  good  drinking  water  in  the  factories,  as  well  as  drink- 
‘‘  ing  vessels  and  measures  for  cleaning  them.” 

The  learned  Judge,  Dr.  Hermann  M.  Popert,  one  of  Ger- 
many’s most  able  thinkers,  delivered  an  address  before  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  German  Federation  Against  Alcoholism 
in  1908,  entitled  ” A Step  to  the  Way  of  Power,”  in  which  the 
learned  judge  explained  the  principle  of  Local  Veto,  and  ex- 
pressed the  opinion  that  this  was  the  best  way  of  attacking  the 
liquor  traffic,  and  thus  destroying  the  dreadful  alcohol  plague 
in  Germany.  He  therefore  proposed,  at  the  earliest  opportunity, 
to  introduce  the  following  Local  Veto  Bill  into  the  Reichstag, 
believing  that  at  least  some  three  or  four  precincts  were  even 
now  ready  to  make  use  of  such  a privilege  if  it  were  given  to 
them.  The  Bill  drafted  by  Judge  Popert  stated  : — 

” Every  precinct  in  the  German  Empire,  its  colonies  and 
‘‘  protectorates,  has  the  right  to  prohibit  within  its  borders  the 
‘‘  industrial  manufacture,  importation,  purchase  and  sale  of  alco- 
“ holic  beverages.” 

Most  of  the  German  Temperance  Societies  heartily  agreed  to 
the  proposals  of  Judge  Popert,  and  it  was  determined  to  organise 
a great  petition  to  be  signed  only  by  electors,  for  presentation 
to  the  Government  and  the  Reichstag.  The  petitioners  asked 
for  Local  Option  to  veto  the  liquor  traffic,  not  only  in  the  Father- 
land,  but  in  all  the  colonies.  They  expressed  the  desire  that  not 


92 


only  should  this  power  be  given  to  the  towns  and  cities,  but  to 
districts  and  city-blocks,  in  which  not  less  than  i,ooo  voters  live. 
They  also  requested  that  the  right  to  vote  should  be  granted  to 
women  as  well  as  to  the  men.  In  some  parts,  where  the  Temper- 
ance movement  is  strong,  a systematic  canvas  was  undertaken, 
and  a very  large  quantity  of  explanatory  literature  was  distributed. 
The  petition  was  presented,  containing  over  500,000  signatures, 
to  the  Reichstag  in  March,  1912,  and  created  great  interest,  not 
only  among  the  members  of  the  Government  and  the  Reichstag, 
but  among  the  general  public,  from  the  reports  which  appeared 
in  the  press.  One  writer  says  : — 

“ Of  course,  the  Reichstag  will  not  grant  the  legislation — 
" not  yet.  But  wait  a few  years;  the  rise  of  public  opinion  will 
“ force  it  to  take  action,  and  that  perhaps  before  we  might  dare 
“ imagine.  ” 

The  organising  ability  of  the  German  Temperance  reformers 
is  still  further  shown  in  their  efforts  to  systematise  the  work 
throughout  the  whole  of  the  Fatherland.  Year  by  year  this 
agitation  is  surely  telling  upon  this  great  Empire,  as  all  the  most 
advanced  Temperance  organisations  report  large  increases  of 
members.  The  Good  Templars,  W.C.T.  U. , and  other  total 
abstinence  societies  report  their  growing  membership  as  follows  : 


1902  35.000 

1905 55>°°o 

1908  86,000 

1911  170,000 

1913 250,000 


while  the  Society  Against  the  Misuse  of  Alcoholic  Liquors  also 
numbers  about  40,000  members.  More  than  forty  Temperance 
newspapers  are  being  published,  and  some  of  them  have  more 
than  30,000  subscribers.  The  German  abstainers  do  not,  how- 
ever, rely  simply  upon  the  ordinary  methods  of  propaganda. 
Tliey  have  adopted  many  special  means  of  advancing  the  cause. 
Among  these  may  be  mentioned  (i)  the  profitable  use  of  the 
general  press  of  Germany,  and  (2)  the  Travelling  Temperance 
Exhibitions.  To  influence  the  German  Press,  and  through  it  the 
German  people,  a monthly  correspondence  department  was  in- 
stituted by  the  German  Good  Templar  Grand  Lodge,  under  the 
able  editorship  of  Herr  F.  Hahnel,  assisted  by  the  most  cele- 
brated Professors,  medical  men,  and  social  reformers  in  the 
country,  and  now  edited  by  Dr.  med  Plleiderer  and  F.  Scholl. 
These  contributions  are  sent  out  every  month,  and  in 
certain  cases  oftener,  to  about  2,500  newspapers.  They  are 
readily  accepted  and  published.  This  does  much  to  counteract 


93 


the  articles  sent  out  by  the  liquor  party,  for  when  it  is  known 
that  the  brewers,  distillers  and  publicans  have  an  organisation 
for  fighting  the  abstainers,  and  that  they  are  reported  as  having 
yearly  expended  about  90,000  marks  (;^4,500  or  $22,500),  the 
need  for  this  department  is  readily  seen. 

To  influence  the  general  public  in  another  way,  large 
exhibitions  have  been  arranged,  'fhese  are  sent  from  town  to 
town,  and  have  proved  remarkably  successful.  A large  hall,  or 
some  unoccupied  business  premises,  or  if  this  is  impossible,  an 
ordinary  shop,  is  secured.  The  Exhibition  is  generally  opened 
by  some  special  function,  to  draw  the  attention  of  the  press  and 
the  public  to  the  undertaking.  Hundreds  of  charts,  diagrams, 
medical  models,  statistics,  and  other  facts  connected  with  the 
alcohol  question,  are  placed  on  exhibition,  and  all  day  long  the 
qualified  attendants  are  kept  busy  explaining  the  exhibits  to 
those  attending.  Scientific  lectures  are  also  given  by  Professors 
and  others,  during  the  run  of  the  Exhibition,  which  sometimes 
extends  to  many  weeks,  and  is  attended  by  many  thousands  of 
people.  As  one  German  writer  says  : — 

“ In  this  way  we  are  working  in  a systematic  and  rational 
“ manner  to  educate  the  people  all  over  the  Fatherland  to  work 
against  the  attacks  of  the  brewers,  distillers,  and  publicans, 
“ and  to  bring  about  as  soon  as  possible  a change  in  the  Ger- 
“ man  drinking  customs,  the  chief  source  of  the  dreadful  plague 
“ called  alcoholism.  As  the  official  statistics  show,  we  have  had 
“ for  the  past  few  years  a decrease  in  the  consumption  of  alco- 
“ holic  liquors.  It  is  only  a small  one,  but  we  are  glad  to  have 
“ a decrease.  Therefore  we  are  fighting  for  the  welfare  of  our 
“ people,  and  the  victory  will  be  ours.” 

The  first  German  congress  for  the  bringing  up  of  children  in 
total  abstinence  principles  was  held  in  Berlin  during  March,  1913. 
This  was  largely  attended  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  German 
women  are  coming  to  recognise  the  fact  that  they  must  prepare 
the  ground  for  future  Temperance  legislation  by  trying  to  bring 
up  future  generations  as  total  abstainers.  The  Congress  con- 
sidered how  this  could  best  be  done  and  the  problem  was 
discussed  from  various  points  of  view  by  some  of  the  leading 
men  and  women  speakers  and  thinkers  of  Germany.  At  the  close 
of  the  discussion  the  Congress  expressed  the  hope  that  ” the 
mothers  of  Germany  would  recognise  the  fact  that  the  first  step 
German  women  must  take  towards  combating  drunkenness  was 
to  bring  up  their  own  children  in  complete  abstinence  from  the 
use  of  alcoholic  liquors  and  this  the  Congress  believe  would  also 
prove  the  best  means  for  insuring  the  acceptance  of  laws  against 
alcohol  by  the  coming  generation,” 


CHAPTER  Vni 


Austria-  Hungary 

“ Nowhere  as  among-  the  wage-workers  is  emphasis  on  race-hygiene  so 
strong,  or  its  claims  so  distinct  ; nowhere  else  does  that  modem  movement, 
which  is  everywhere  so  full  of  promise  and  which  bids  fair  to  contribute  so 
much  to  the  regeneration  of  humanity,  the  movement  against  alcohol,  strikes 
root  so  deeply.  Not  only  do  hygienic  considerations  drive  the  workers  to 
participate  in  this  movement,  but  also  the  feeling  that  the  world-historical 
battle  they  have  to  fight  out  can  only  be  victoriously  ended  when  the  com- 
batants have  at  their  disposal  the  moral  and  Intellectual  capacities  enabling 
them  not  only  to  beat  down  opposition  but  to  be  efficient  in  the  positive  task 
of  recreating  humanity.” 

M.  Pemersdorfer,  the  Austrian  Socialist  Leader  ( 1912 ). 


The  Temperance  movement,  which  had  its  beginning  in 
Norway  and  Sweden  in  1830,  spread  to  Germany  and  thence  to 
Austria  about  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth  century— first  in 
Austrian  Silesia,  southward  to  Moravia,  and  later  to  Austria 
proper.  But  as  in  so  many  other  parts,  the  movement  was  very 
short-lived,  doing,  however,  much  good  while  it  lasted,  as 
thousands  of  people  took  a religious  vow  not  to  drink  any  intoxi- 
cating liquors.  The  Catholic  clergy  are  reported  to  have 
assembled  their  parishioners  and  crowds  of  workpeople  in  their 
churches,  around  their  altars,  for  the  purpose  of  their  taking, 
of  their  own  free  will,  the  religious  vows  to  abstain  from  drinks 
which  had  become  the  destroyers  of  their  peace  and  happiness. 
The  result  of  this  movement  was  an  immediate  change  in  the 
habit  and  conduct  of  the  people,  and  it  is  on  record  that  while 
the  movement  lasted  the  riots,  noises,  dirt,  and  disorder  which 
formerly  had  been  inseparable  from  every  domestic  or  public 
ceremony,  completely  disappeared.  The  movement  also  made 
some  adherents  in  Hungary  and  Prussian  Poland,  but  in  every 
case  the  want  of  Temperance  organisations  to  further  the  cause 
prevented  its  spreading,  and  in  a very  short  time  the  movement 
came  to  an  end. 

Austri.a. — It  was  not  until  1884  that  any  renewal  of  Tem- 
perance effort  was  put  forth  to  counteract  the  terrible  and  grow- 
ing evils  of  alcohol.  In  that  year  the  Chevalier  Max  de 
Proskowetz,  F.R.G.S.,  founded  the  -Austrian  Society  for  Check- 
ing Inebriety,  and  in  1899  a National  Total  .Abstinence  Society 
\vas  established,  to  which  a number  of  young  physicians  attached 


themselves,  prominent  among  whom  was  Dr.  Poech.  The  move- 
ment soon  took  root  among  the  scientific  men,  and  some  very 
effective  work  was  done.  Upon  the  invitation  of  these  societies 
and  professional  men,  and  under  the  patronage  of  the  Austrian 
Government,  the  seventh  gathering  of  the  International  Congress 
on  Alcoholism  was  held  in  Vienna,  the  capital  city  of  Austria. 
Several  of  the  European  Governments  were  represented,  while 
some  1,300  delegates  were  present  from  Temperance  organisa- 
tions in  many  lands.  The  visitors  were  much  impressed  with  the 
attitude  of  the  medical  men  and  teachers  in  respect  to  the  ques- 
tion of  the  use  of  alcohol.  The  valuable  papers  read  at  the 
Congress,  and  the  discussions  w'hich  followed,  did  much  to  still 
further  to  stimulate  the  movement,  not  only  of  those  interested  in 
the  cause,  but  among  a large  number  of  the  general  public. 
During  the  last  twenty  years  the  movement  has  been  more  suc- 
cessful in  the  ranks  of  the  educated  than  among  the  masses  of 
the  people.  This  no  doubt  arises  from  the  fact  that  total  absti- 
nence has  been  advocated  in  connection  with  the  colleges  and 
higher  schools  of  the  country,  and  a number  of  students  en- 
rolled. Such  men  as  Professor  Kassowitz,  Dr.  Gustav  Rossler, 
and  Dr.  Holitscher  are  pressing  the  question  more  and  more 
upon  the  attention  of  the  authorities  and  the  people. 

Temperance  teaching  in  the  public  schools  is  gradually 
taking  a firm  hold  both  upon  the  Government  and  the  people. 
The  first  step  was  taken  in  1900,  when  the  Board  of  Education 
caused  an  inquiry  to  be  made  among  some  400,000  school 
children  in  Lower  Austria  as  to  the  use  of  alcoholic  liquors.  The 
result  showed  that  practically  the  whole  of  the  children  of  the 
working  classes  consumed  beer  and  wine,  but  as  a rule  did  not 
indulge  in  spirits.  In  1902  a law  was  passed  making  provision 
for  Temperance  instruction  in  primary  schools,  in  connection 
with  the  subjects  of  Natural  History,  Chemistry,  etc.  In  1906 
the  Austrian  League  of  Women’s  Abstaining  Societies  petitioned 
the  Government  in  favour  of  systematic  anti-alcoholic  teaching, 
and  that  the  school  books  should  be  re-written  and  all  paragraphs 
in  praise  of  alcohol  withdrawn.  In  response  an  official  pamphlet 
was  issued  calling  the  attention  of  students  in  the  Training 
Colleges  to  the  subject.  Renewed  demands  were  sent  to  the 
Board  of  Education  calling  attention  to  the  growing  evils  of 
alcoholism  and  the  need  for  the  young  being  fully  instructed 
upon  the  question.  In  1912  the  Ministry  of  Education  issued  an 
important  order  to  all  school  authorities.  By  this  it  is  provided 
that  instruction  in  reference  to  alcohol  shall  be  given  in  every 
school  to  all  normal  school  pupils.  Instruction  is  to  cover  the 
physiological  action  of  alroho]  on  the  organism,  its  pathological 


96 


results,  the  social  dangers  from  alcoholism,  and  the  economic 
evils  consequent  upon  the  widespread  use  of  this  drug.  Educa- 
tional committees  have  also  been  asked  to  invite  the  Professors 
In  their  schools  and  colleges  to  consultation  concerning  the 
methods  to  be  adopted  for  the  training  of  school  teachers  in 
these  subjects. 

A remarkable  growth  of  total  abstinence  is  reported  to  be 
taking  place  in  connection  with  the  Austrian  Army  and  Navy. 
During  the  past  few  years  a considerable  number  of  men  in 
certain  regiments  and  on  some  of  the  ships  of  war,  have  aban- 
doned the  use  of  alcoholic  liquors,  with  the  usual  beneficial 
results.  The  Vienna  correspondent  of  Die  Alkoholfrage  now 
states  : — 

“ The  movement  against  alcohol  has  extended  among  the 
“ officers  of  the  Austrian  Army  to  an  extent  little  realised  by  tbe 
“ public  at  large.  It  has  grown  up,  not  in  consequence  of  orders 
“ from  above,  but  purely  from  the  tactical  needs  of  the  service. 
“ As  a rule,  in  all  officers’  messes,  only  water  is  now  drunk.  If 
“ a visitor  Is  present  a bottle  of  wine  is  placed  before  him,  but 
“ the  host  remains  true  to  his  Temperance  habit.  In  the  Tyrol 
“ Imperial  Jaegers  and  the  Mountain  Riffes,  a large  part  of  the 
“officers  are  total  abstainers.  The  earlier  Chief  of  the  General 
“ Staff,  General  Baron  von  Hotzendorf,  is  an  abstainer,  and 
“ when  dining  with  the  German  Emperor  is  said  to  have  re- 
“ quested  that  he  be  given  water  as  his  drink.’’ 

At  the  third  National  .Anti-.Mcoholic  Congress,  representing 
the  whole  of  the  Austrian  Temperance  organisations,  held  at 
Salzburg  in  1Q12,  the  Austrian  War  Office  was  not  only  officially 
represented,  but  the  following  announcement  was  made  : — 

“ In  view  of  the  importance  of  the  influence  of  the  prevalent 
“ drinking  customs  on  the  physical  capacity  and  discipline  of 
“ the  troops,  officers  and  military  officials  are  allowed  to  attend 
“ the  sessions  of  the  Congress.’’ 

The  awakening  of  organised  labour  to  the  importance  of 
the  fight  against  alcohol  as  a factor,  and  an  important  factor, 
in  their  struggle  for  better  economic  conditions,  has  also  reached 
Austria.  Reports  from  all  parts  of  the  country  agree  that  the 
labour  leaders  have  discovered  that  the  greatest  hindrance  to 
their  efforts  arises  from  the  alcohol  habit.  Dr.  Rudolph 
Wlassak,  of  Vienna,  an  abstaining  social  leader,  calls  alcohol 
“an  Internal  enemy,’’  in  distinction  to  the  external  foe  of  an 
oppressive  economic  system.  He  declares  that  “ drinking  to 
forget  misery  rivets  the  chains  of  misery-producing  slavery 
because  it  is  a waste  of  precious  time  and  money  that  might 
otherwise  be  spent  in  organising  to  shake  off  the  oppressive 
yoke,  It  creates  indifference,  which  is  the  worst  enemy  to  the 


97 


progress  of  the  cause.  The  people  need  clear  active  brains,  and 
alcohol  makes  them  prematurely  old  and  incapable.”  Dr. 
Schacherl,  another  leader,  declared  to  a large  meeting  of 
working  men  : ‘‘It  is  your  duty  to  lead  this  battle  against  alcohol, 
and  not  only  to  fight  against  spirits  but  against  the  use  of 
alcohol  in  any  form,  because  it  is  a check  to  the  labour  move- 
ment and  to  culture.”  A remarkable  strike  took  place  in  igo8, 
occasioned  by  the  Austrian  brewers  advancing  the  price  of  beer. 
The  Labour  organisations  embraced  the  opportunity  to  declare 
a boycott.  The  result  was  that  thousands  of  working  men, 
especially  among  the  mining  regions  of  northern  Austria,  became 
total  abstainers.  They  found  they  could  work  better  without 
alcoholic  liquors,  which  they  had  previously  supposed  were  in- 
dispensable. They  were  able  to  buy  better  food  and  clothing. 
They  spent  their  leisure  time  with  their  families,  took  excursions, 
and  entered  into  other  forms  of  healthful  amusement,  instead  of 
sitting  in  the  beer-houses  swilling  liquor,  and  allowing  those 
dependent  upon  them  to  suffer.  Large  numbers  of  these  people 
are  reported  to  be  holding  fast  to  their  new-found  abstinence 
principle,  though  the  boycott  against  the  brewers  has  long  since 
ceased. 

The  question  of  the  ratio  of  sickness  to  the  alcohol  habit  has 
been  engaging  the  attention  of  a number  of  Austrian  scientific 
men,  and  some  of  their  investigations  have  now  been  published. 
Dr.  Hugo  Deutsch,  consulting  physician  of  the  General  Work- 
ing-men’s Sick-relief  Insurance  Society,  at  Brunn,  Austria,  has 
grouped  his  material  according  to  the  average  drink  bill  of  the 
insured,  into  four  groups,  as  follows: — ‘‘(i)  Metal-workers, 
spending  lo. i per  cent,  of  their  weekly  wages;  (2)  Typesetters, 
spending  8.7  percent.  ; (3)  Other  trades,  spending  4.8  per  cent.  ; 
and  (4)  Textile  workers,  spending  4.8  per  cent.”  The  examina- 
tion of  ten  years’  record  yielded  the  following  results  : — 

‘‘  The  average  number  of  cases  per  year  of  sickness  for  each 
‘‘100  members  was  : — 


Metal-workers. 

Typesetters. 

Other  trades. 

Textile  workers. 

Cases  per  100  

86.6 

52-7 

50-7 

45-7 

.Sick  days  per  year  ... 

14. 1 

12.2 

10. 1 

9-9 

Traceable  to  alcohol 

2.27 

1-95 

1.47 

1-31 

Due  to  accident  

3-67 

0.87 

1.23 

1.07 

Due  to  tuberculosis  ... 

1.87 

2.94 

1.82 

2.21 

Due  to  other  diseases 

6. 12 

5-65 

5-47 

5-25 

The  strict  parallelism 

between 

money 

spent  for 

drink  and 

” disease  is  but  twice  broken — once  in  accidents  to  which  type- 
‘‘  setters  are  not  much  exposed,  and  once  in  consumption.  With 
” regard  to  the  textile  workers,  they  appear  to  be  the  best  risk 
‘‘  for  sick-benefit  insurance,  because  they  drink  less  and  have 
” little  sickness.  ” 


H 


98 


Other  investigators  classified  the  persons  who  were  un- 
able to  work  because  of  the  sickness  lasting  three,  six,  and  even 
eight  months.  They  found  that,  out  of  every  i,ooo  persons 
observed,  at  every  age  there  was  a larger  proportion  of  drinkers 
sick  for  three,  six  or  eight  months  than  of  persons  in  the  general 
class.  The  average  of  all  ages  was  as  follows: — “Drinkers: 
Three  months,  26.7;  six  months,  6.0;  eight  months,  10.3. 
General  Class:  TTiree  months,  7.4;  six  months,  4.4;  and  eight 
months,  5.4.”  These  figures  speak  for  themselves,  and  testify 
that  drinking  does  not  lead  to  health,  but  to  prolonged  sickness, 
with  the  loss  of  w-ages  and  efficiency,  which  is  of  even  greater 
value  to  the  wage-earner. 

From  a legislative  standpoint  things  are  moving  very  slowly. 
That  they  are  moving  is  shown  from  the  fact  that  the  Govern- 
ment have  adopted  restrictive  laws  in  reference  to  the  sale  of 
gin,  and  have  prohibited  the  importation  and  sale  of  the  spirit 
absinthe.  The  Minister  for  Trade  in  igii  appointed  a number 
of  experts  to  consider  and  report  respecting  future  Temperance 
legislation.  The  report  was  published  in  1912,  and  the  recom- 
mendations— in  the  main  the  work  of  Professor  Dr.  Eugen 
Schwiedland,  are  a great  advance  upon  anything  ever  attempted 
in  Austria  to  suppress  alcoholism  by  legislation.  The  following 
are  given  as  some  of  the  chief  recommendations  : — 

“ A.  Legislative  Measures,  (i)  Taxation  of  home  distilla- 
“ tion  of  spirits.  (2)  Prohibition  of  the  sale  of  fermented  and 
“ distilled  liquors  to  any  person  under  18  years  of  age.  (3)  Legis- 
“ lative  ordinances  forbidding  the  assistance  of  the  law  in  order 
“ to  compel  the  payment  of  drinking-debts  for  intoxicating 
“ liquors,  and  declaring  business  arranged  in  public-houses  shall 
“ not  be  legally  binding.  (4)  Ordinances  giving  those  having 
“ the  funds  of  workmen’s  insurance  the  right  to  expend  a certain 
“ percentage  of  the  income  and  to  adopt  effective  measures  in 
“ order  to  combat  drinking. 

“ B.  Administrative  Measures,  (i)  The  introduction  of 
“ compulsory  instruction,  to  be  given  at  a suitable  time  and  in  a 
“ proper  way,  respecting  the  nature  and  effects  of  alcohol  upon 
“ the  system,  in  all  seminaries  for  teachers,  and  also  in  all  the 
“ Primary,  Municipal,  Technical,  and  Intermediate  Schools. 
“ (2)  Lectures  to  the  men  in  the  Army  and  Navy  respecting 
“ drinking  and  the  best  means  of  combating  the  same.  (3)  Ad- 
“ ministrative  support  to  the  Temperance  movement.  (4) 
“ Restrictions  in  the  granting  of  licences  to  public-houses,  etc., 
“ and  facilities  given  for  the  establishment  of  Temperance 
“ restaurants,  people’s  cafes,  etc.  (5)  The  opening  of  refresh- 
“ ment  rooms  at  all  railway  stations  for  the  sale  of  coffee,  milk, 
“ and  other  non-alcoholic  drinks.  (6)  The  prohibition  of  the  con- 
“ sumption  of  alcoholic  liquors  during  all  working  hours  by  per- 


99 


“ sons  in  the  service  of  the  State,  and  the  opening  at  all  State 
“ working  centres  of  rooms  for  the  sale  of  coffee,  milk,  etc.,  and 
“ other  refreshing,  non-alcoholic  drinks  at  cost  price.  (7)  Ad- 
“ ministrative  pressure  in  order  to  bring  about  an  agreement 
“ between  masters  and  workmen  to  prohibit  the  introduction  of 
“ intoxicating  liquors  to  factories,  and  other  places  of  work. 
“ (8)  A special  licence  to  be  required  by  all  retailers  of  beer  or 
“ spirits.  (9)  Prohibition  of  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  at 
“ places  where  workmen  are  paid  their  wages,  from  Saturday 
“ at  4 p.m.,  until  Monday  at  8 a.m.,  and  that  all  liquor  places 
“ shall  be  closed  earlier  on  the  day  when  wages  are  paid.  (10) 
“ Preference  shall  be  given  to  total  abstainers  for  special  employ- 
“ ment,  such  as  miners,  carriers,  and  sick  nurses.” 

The  Austro-Hungarian  Monarchy  consists  of  these  two 
States  and  the  Provinces  of  Bosnia  and  Herzegovinia.  Each  of 
these  States  has  its  own  Constitution  and  Parliament.  The  total 
population  in  1910  was  over  51,000,000. 

Hungary. — The  uprising  against  alcoholism  is  constantly 
breaking  out  in  new  and  unexpected  quarters,  so  that  it  is  not 
surprising  that  at  last  Hungarians — especially  the  women — are 
organising  to  combat  the  evil.  Several  efforts  have  been  made 
to  rouse  the  people.  As  far  back  as  1837  Dr.  Moses  Rosenthal, 
of  Pesth,  gave  an  account  of  the  work  of  Temperance  Societies 
in  the  Vienna  newspapers,  and  published  a tract,  ‘‘  De  Abusu 
Alcoholicorum  ” (On  the  Abuse  of  Alcoholics).  Dr.  P.  Stein, 
Dr.  A.  Holitscher,  Dr.  Gustav  Rossler,  Dr.  Emil  Seigmund,  and 
others  have  repeatedly  raised  their  voices  during  recent  years 
respecting  the  evils  arising  from  alcoholic  liquors.  In  1900  Dr. 
Forel,  from  the  Good  Templars  of  Switzerland,  visited  several 
places  in  Hungary  to  interest  the  scientists  of  the  country  in  the 
Temperance  question,  and  in  1901  Miss  Charlotte  Gray  and  Miss 
Bonner  held  meetings  In  the  capital,  Budapest,  which  resulted  in 
the  organising  of  the  first  Good  Templar  Lodge.  Since  then 
a number  of  Good  Templar  Lodges  have  been  formed,  and  a 
Grand  Lodge  for  the  country  was  instituted  by  the  Hon.  Edvard 
Wavrinsky,  M.P.  (Sweden)  in  June,  1907.  Since  then  much 
agitation  and  educative  work  has  been  accomplished.  The  Tran- 
sylvanian Medical  Association,  consisting  of  the  great  body  of 
medical  men  of  the  country,  have  repeatedly  considered  the  ques- 
tion, and  in  1907  adopted  the  following  resolution,  copies  of 
which  were  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  Government  and  others  : — 

” The  Association  recognises  the  fight  against  the  alcohol 
” calamity  on  health  and  social  grounds  as  a significant  matter. 
‘‘  It  therefore  declares  : (a)  Abstinence  does  not  contradict  the 
” requirements  of  a healthy  conduct  of  life,  (b)  Alcohol  is  not 
‘‘  an  article  of  nourishment,  because  it  is  too  poisonous  for  it  to 


100 


“ be  able  to  be  taken  in  such  quantities  as  would  be  of  any 
“ service,  (c)  Alcohol  gives  no  vigour  or  strength  and  does  not 
“invigorate;  it  only  numbs  the  feeling  of  exhaustion,  and  is 
“ therefore  not  capable  of  replacing  powers  used  up  by  bodily 
“ or  menial  work.  ’’ 

This  declaration  of  the  medical  men  has  been  most  helpful, 
and  the  movement  during  the  last  few  years  has  taken  a great 
step  forward. 

I' olio  wing  the  doctors  came  a Government  investigation, 
first  in  connection  with  the  schools,  and,  second,  with  reference 
to  the  habits  of  the  parents.  This  investigation  was  undertaken 
in  1908  by  the  Hungarian  Educational  Department  under  the 
Minister  for  Culture  and  Civilisation,  “to  inquire  into  the  drink- 
ing of  alcohol  among  school  children  and  their  parents.”  Forms 
were  issued  to  all  the  schoolmasters,  heads  of  colleges,  and  all 
other  educational  institutions,  requesting  the  following  informa- 
tion : — (i)  Is  the  boy  (or  girl)  an  abstainer;  that  is,  does  he 
abstain  entirely  from  the  consumption  of  alcoholic  liquors?  (2) 
If  not,  how  much,  and  what  alcoholic  liquor  does  the  boy  (or  girl) 
receive.  (3)  If  he  only  takes  alcoholic  liquors  occasionally,  when, 
and  how  much?  (4)  Have  his  parents,  his  doctor,  or  who  else 
first  given  him  alcohol?  (5)  \\’hat  effect  has  the  consumption  of 
alcohol  by  the  pupil  had  on  his  (or  her)  learning  or  moral 
behaviour? 

A similar  form  was  issued  to  every  parent,  or  guardian, 
except  the  last  question.  The  whole  of  the  papers  have  been  in 
the  hands  of  the  authorities  for  some  considerable  time,  and  it  is 
stated  that  they  are  in  the  initial  stages  of  completing  a system 
of  Temperance  teaching  for  all  the  schools  and  other  educational 
institutions  throughout  the  country.  M.  Schuller  says  : “ The 
result  of  this  investigation  must  cause  the  adoption  of  restrictive 
measures  for  the  young.”  In  discussing  this  question  at  the 
Transylvanian-Saxon  Teachers’  Conference  in  1910,  “What  can 
the  elementary  schoolmaster  contribute  to  the  carrj'ing  out  of  the 
official  orders  in  reference  to  the  fighting  against  alcoholism 
through  the  school?”  the  teachers  came  to  the  unanimous  con- 
clusion that 

“ drastic  action  was  essential  at  once.  Long  experience 
“ proves  that  the  only  effective  cure  for  alcoholism  is  the 
“complete  rooting  out  of  alcohol.  Teachers  must  therefore  be 
“ total  abstainers.  Before  this  great  duty  all  traditional  con- 
“ siderations  must  be  silent.  The  drinking  custom  cannot  be 
“ justified  even  in  its  mildest  form,  since  it  is  proved  that  it  is 
“ precisely  that  which  creates  and  constantly  feeds  alcoholism.  As 
“ long  as  alcoholism  is  still  a popular  disease,  we  largely  carrj’  on 
“ a ‘ Sisyphus  work  ’ — that  is,  rolling  a huge  boulder  up  the 


101 


“ hill  which  always  falls  back  just  as  you  reach  the  top.  Remove 
“ alcoholism  and  the  great  stumbling  block  to  progress  will  be 
“ gone.  ” 

The  general  press  of  Hungary  has  not  yet  taken  up  the 
question,  doubtless  due  somewhat  to  the  money  received  for 
liquor  advertisements,  as  in  this  and  other  countries  the  power 
of  the  liquor  purse  is  still  a great  factor  in  preventing  the  ex- 
pression of  popular  opinion  through  the  public  press.  There  are 
two  periodicals,  Neal  (Popular  Health),  edited  by  Dr.  Henry 
Siegmund,  and  published  at  Mediasch,  and  the  Transylvanian, 
edited  by  Professor  Emil  Wengeboren,  and  published  at  Her- 
maunstadt.  These  two  papers  are  unique  in  opening  their 
columns  for  Temperance  essays,  educational  and  aggressive. 
The  Neal  recently  published  an  “ Appeal  to  the  Clergy  and 
Teachers  of  our  National  Church.” 

‘‘  These,  surely’”  says  the  appeal,  “ feel  themselves  bound 
” not  only  by  law,  but  as  an  intrinsic  part  of  their  professional 
” duty  to  protect  the  people  committed  to  their  care  from  all 
‘‘  things  injurious  to  their  culture  and  civilisation.  The  fight 
‘‘  against  alcoholism  marks  a region  of  work  more  definite  than 
” any  other.  It  creates  the  right  foundation  and  the  sure  success, 
‘‘  but  to  secure  progress  knowledge  of  the  goal  is  needed,  and 
‘‘a  powerful  organisation  must  come  to  the  rescue.  We  are  in 
” the  happy  position  of  being  able  to  name  the  goal,  which  is 
” total  abstinence  and  the  abolition  of  alcohol,  and  to  suggest  an 
‘‘organisation  which  could  not  be  more  suited  for  the  work  in 
‘‘  hand.  It  is  of  foreign  origin  and  growth,  having  been  started 
‘‘  in  America,  but  lately  introduced  with  much  success  in  various 
‘‘  European  countries,  including  Germany.  It  has  been  studied 
‘‘  carefully  by  us  and  tried  with  great  success  on  our  native  soil. 
‘‘The  I.O.G.T.  deserves  the  serious  attention  of  our  church  in 
‘‘  the  highest  degree,  as  it  stands  on  a religious  foundation  and 
‘‘  is  uncommonly  practical  in  all  its  arrangements,  working  on 
‘‘  social  intercourse,  culture  of  mind,  and  a general  improvement 
‘‘  of  character.  The  I.O.G.T.  can  only  reach  its  high  ideal  if  it 
‘‘  obtains  the  warm-hearted  and  pedagogically  trained  workers 
‘‘  to  whom  popular  training  is  a life’s  task  and  heart’s  desire. 
‘‘  Such  are  our  clergy  and  teachers.  We  therefore  expect  that 
‘‘  none  of  these  will  withhold  their  help  when  it  means  doing  so 
‘‘  much  for  our  people  at  so  little  sacrifice.” 

The  attitude  taken  by  the  women,  both  of  high  and  low 
degree,  in  a number  of  Continental  nations,  is  most  encouraging. 
The  missionary  zeal  of  the  W.W.C.T.U.  is  doing  much  for  the 
uplift  of  womanhood,  and  results  are  being  obtained  which  must 
mean  much  for  the  future  of  these  nations.  Hungarian  women 
are  bravely  falling  into  line  with  their  sisters  ‘‘  over  the  border.” 


102 


In  1911  the  famous  Hung-arian  actress,  Frau  Marie  Jassai,  who 
is  President  of  the  Abstinent  Women’s  Union  in  Budapest,  pre- 
sented a petition  to  the  Minister-President  of  the  City  Council, 
Count  H^d^vary,  urging  that  all  drink  shops  should  be  closed 
from  Saturday  afternoon  until  Monday  morning.  In  describing 
the  harrowing  conditions  prevailing  in  the  cities  in  Hungary,  it 
is  stated  Frau  Jassai  completely  broke  down  : “ The  tragedy  of 
the  stage  leaves  her  undisturbed ; the  tragedies  which  the  brewer 
and  distiller  cause  were  too  much  for  her  self-control.”  This 
appeal  was  published  in  the  general  press  of  the  country,  and  in 
some  of  the  communities,  with  a view  to  limiting  the  consump- 
tion of  alcoholic  liquors,  laws  have  been  passed  closing  the  public- 
houses  on  Sundays  and  holidays. 

In  1912  the  following  remarkable  appeal  was  issued  from 
Hungarian  women — women  who  represent  the  elite  of  the  Hun- 
garian aristocracy — the  first  name  being  that  of  the  gifted 
daughter  of  the  late  King  of  the  Belgians,  while  all  the  others 
are  members  of  the  most  select  circles  in  the  country.  The  appeal 
itself  is  just  such  a one  as  might  originate  from  any  branch  of 
the  \\’.  W.C.T.U. , or  any  Lodge  of  the  I.O.G.T.  It  is  thorough- 
going from  the  beginning  to  the  end,  and  its  publication  must 
have  far-reaching  results  in  the  agitation  against  alcoholism  in 
Hungary  and  the  bordering  nations,  and  in  whatever  language 
or  country  it  may  be  published.  The  following  is  a translation 
of  this  appeal  : — 

.AfPEAL  iiv  THE  Women  of  the  Ho.ngarian  .Vkistocract. 

‘‘To  the  women  of  Hungary.  We  wish  to  put  heart  and 
‘‘  life  into  the  words  with  which  we  here  address  you.  We  wish 
‘‘  that  those  who  read  them  may  have  souls  to  understand  the 
‘‘greatness  of  the  end  which  we  pursue.  We  would  that  we 
‘‘  might  press  to  our  hearts  the  mothers,  the  betrothed,  the 
‘‘children,  in  order  to  convince  them  that  our  cry  comes  with 
‘‘  love  from  the  depths  of  our  being.  Magyar  women  ! Realise 
‘‘  the  responsibility  which  the  fight  against  alcoholism  imposes 
‘‘  on  you,  on  your  families,  and  on  society. 

‘‘  Remember  the  tears  which  secretly  redden  your  eyes  and 
‘‘burden  your  hearts  when  you  think  of  a father,  a husband, 
‘‘  a son,  a fianc^  fallen  to  drink.  This  man  holds  you  to  him- 
‘‘  self ; his  fate  is  bound  in  yours. 

‘‘  It  is  not  the  men  chiefly  who  suffer  from  drink.  It  is  the 
‘‘  .souls  and  strength  of  the  women  which  are  worn  down  with 
‘‘  this  sorrow.  Do  you  realise  that  alcohol  engulfs  not  only  the 
‘‘  country  and  the  nation,  but  all  your  happy,  womanly  hopes? 

‘‘  Come  to  our  help,  Hungarian  women  ! Come  from  all 
‘‘  parts  of  the  land — poor  and  rich,  happy  and  unhappy,  women 
‘‘  of  station  and  of  humble  position,  you  whom  alcohol  has  made 


lOo 


‘ to  weep  you  who  know  and  feel  your  obligations  to  religion, 

‘ to  God,  to  your  country,  and  to  humanity  yet  unborn. 

“ VVe  wish  to  uplift  the  coming  generations,  which  not 
‘ knowing  alcohol  will  belong  to  a morally  purer  and  more 
‘ warm-hearted  world. 

“ We  seek  the  aid  of  all  for  this  task.  We  trust  that  there 
‘ may  not  be  a single  Hungarian  woman  who  will  not  hearken 
‘ to  us.  None  shall  be  so  humble  in  our  eyes  that  we  will  not  be 
‘ grateful  to  see  them  join  us ; none  too  high  to  have  a right  to 
‘ look  down  on  the  work  to  which  we  invite  you. 

“ We  affectionately  beg  you  suggest  everywhere  the  idea 
‘ of  fighting  alcohol.  Make  sentiment  for  it  in  high  and  low 
‘ circles,  for  the  odour  of  alcohol  is  found  in  both — in  drawing- 
‘ room  and  in  cottage.  Our  social  organism  is  sick.  Our 
‘ physical,  moral,  and  economic  forces  are  on  the  way  to 
‘ destruction. 

“ Above  all,  give  no  alcohol  to  your  children  and  unselfishly 
‘ aid  the  husbands  of  other  women,  the  children  of  other 
‘ mothers,  the  betrothed  of  other  girls. 

“ Draw  attention  of  mothers  to  the  great  danger  which  the 
‘ medical  prescription  of  wine  to  children  entails.  The  theory 
‘ that  alcohol  makes  blood  is  long  out  of  date.  Let  the  words 
‘ of  Dr.  David  Faj^r  be  always  present  in  our  minds  : ‘ A mouth- 
‘ ful  of  bread  produces  more  blood  than  a cask  of  wine.’ 

“ And  we  beg  you  earnestly  and  sincerely  at  the  coming 
‘ Easter  festivities  not  to  offer  alcohol,  but  flowers,  to  the  young 
‘ people  who  take  part  in  the  traditional  ceremonies.  These 
‘ young  people  are  themselves  the  flowers  of  humanity,  and 
‘ alcohol  kills  flowers.  It  slays  the  health  of  the  body  and  the 
‘ purity  of  the  soul,  and  opens  the  way  to  an  infinity  of  evils. 

“ We  pray  you  aid  us  in  the  holy  war  for  the  Sabbath  which 
‘ we  have  declared.  Let  Hungarian  women  be  of  one  heart  and 
‘ one  soul  to  demand — better  still,  to  bring  about — the  closing 
‘ of  the  drink-shops  from  Saturday  afternoon  to  Monday 
‘ morning. 

“ We  demand  of  you,  with  deepest  affection,  women  and 
‘ pure-souled  maidens,  stand  guard  at  the  family  door.  Do  not 
‘ let  a quibbling  alcohol  philosophy,  so  ready  to  excuse  and 
‘ tolerate  the  most  evil  things,  enter.  Join  yourselves  in  the 
‘ .Anti-Alcoholic  Union.  This  will  give  you  the  right  never  to 
‘ offer  alcohol  at  your  own  board. 

“ Perhaps  they  will  mock  you.  There  are  those  whose 
‘ spirits  never  rise  to  the  height  of  a pure,  moral  idea.  Perhaps 
‘ the  one  near  you  will  be  irritated.  Use  all  the  resources  of 
‘ your  feminine  soul ; make  appeal  to  the  highest  sentiments ; 
‘ employ  all  your  powers  of  charm  and  grace  to  deliver  from 
“ the  yoke  of  alcohol  those  who  are  dear  to  }'ou. 

“ We  love  to  think,  noble  women,  beloved  daughters  of 
“ Hungary,  who  have  so  well  understood  the  words  of  our 


104 


“ hearts’  dictate,  that  we  can  with  your  aid  give  more  poetry 
“ to  life  and  permit  society  to  develop  in  a truly  harmonious 
“ way. 

“ We  implore  you,  we  appeal  to  you,  we  wait  on  you,  tender 
“ mothers,  troubled  wives,  betrothed  maidens.  (Signed) 
“ Stephanie,  Countess  Elemer  Lonvay,  Princess  Royal  of  Bel- 
“ gium  ; Princess  Clovis  de  Hohenlohe,  ne^  Countess  de  Majlath  ; 
“ Countess  Casky,  Countess  Apponyi,  Countess  Bissengen, 
“ Countess  Dominique  Teleki,  Countess  Alexandre  Teleki, 
“ Baroness  Balintett,  Etelka  Kamenytzky  (President  Women’s 
“Anti-Alcohol  Union),  and  twenty  others.’’ 

Julius  de  Vargha,  D.  Juris.,  Director  of  the  Central  Statisti- 
cal Office  of  Hungary,  in  “ Hungary  of  To-day,’’  edited  by 
Percy  Alden,  M.P. , states: — 

“ In  1906  there  were  go  breweries,  which  produce  1,690,000 
“ hectolitres  (22.01  gall.)  of  beer.  In  Hungary,  however,  the 
“ consumption  of  this  beverage  is  not  very  general  : consequently 
“ the  output  of  the  same  cannot  assume  larger  proportions, 
“ though  we  are  obliged  to  import  to  satisfy  the  demands  of 
“ home  consumption.  There  were  67,076  spirit  distilleries  at 
“ work.  Besides  industrial  and  agricultural  distilleries,  there  are 
“ numerous  smaller  stills  used  for  the  distillation  of  fruit  spirits, 
“ grape  wine,  and  settlings.  In  igo6  the  pure  spirit  produced 
“ amounted  to  1,039,000  metercentners.  (220.46  lb)  ’’. 

Dr.  Imre  Doczi,  Official  Reporter  to  the  Alcoholic  Commis- 
sion (Budapest),  stated  in  1909  that 

“ Most  carefully  prepared  statistics,  based  upon  the  data 
“obtained  by  the  Hungarian  Government  as  to  the  drinking 
“ habits  of  all  children  under  the  age  of  eighteen  in  all  the  schools 
“ of  all  classes,  both  elementary,  private,  and  public,  showed 
“ that  20  per  cent,  are  total  abstainers.’’ 

M.  Albert  Schuller  writes  : — 

“ We  execute  difficult  work  here;  nevertheless  we  push  the 
“ movement  forward,  though  often  uphill,  joyously  and  with 
“courage  for  the  work,  overcoming  opposition  with  patience. 
“ Our  little  band  is  inspired,  in  fighting  mood,  with  full  trust 
“ in  God;  therefore  we  hope  for  the  final  victory.  Our  battle 
“cry  is  Ever  Forward,  Never  Backward.  In  the  name  of 
“ the  brothers  and  sisters  in  the  beautiful  land  of  Hungary, 
“ from  our  secluded  home  in  the  mountain-crowned  Transylvania, 
“ we  send  best  wishes  for  the  greatest  success  for  the  welfare 
“and  salvation  of  humanity.’’ 

With  such  men  and  women  to  lead  the  Temperance  move- 
ment in  its  initial  stages  in  any  country,  success  is  assured.  So 
though  the  habits  of  the  people,  the  laws  of  the  State,  and  the 
wealth  of  the  liquor  traffic  may  be  against  them,  these  men  and 
women  will  march  steadily  on  to  sure  and  certain  victory. 


CHAPTER  IX 


Poland 

“ The  procedure  of  self-regeneration  and  self-development  of  labour  by 
labour  is  affected  in  a most  pitiful  way  by  the  production  and  the  consumption 
of  alcoholic  liquors.  Firstly,  a great  quantity  of  nutritive  products  of  the 
soil  is  spoiled  and  destroyed  by  being  changed  into  worthless,  nay  injurious, 
beverages,  so  that  a great  economic  value  is  withdrawn  which  should  have 
supported  and  strengthened  the  physical  and  mental  powers  of  the  nation. 
Secondly,  the  strength  and  health  of  many  thousands  of  men  employed  in 
producing  alcoholic  liquors  and  selling  them  are  lost  to  productive  and  useful 
work.  So  by  the  general  use  of  alcohol  we  are  wasting  the  products  of 
nature,  the  strength  of  working  people,  and  the  income  being  the  result  of 
labour  ; and  we  are  hurting  in  a most  fatal  manner  the  very  soul  of  economic 
life,  the  efforts  of  men  to  better  their  condition.’’ 

Dr.  Adolf  Daum,  Vienna  ( 1909 ). 


In  Poland,  whose  decadence  was  due  in  no  small  measure  lo 
alcoholism,  there  have  been  many  recent  attempts  to  secure 
deliverance  from  the  curse  of  drink.  Alcoholic  liquors  appear 
to  have  played  an  important  part  in  the  demoralisation  of  both 
soldiers  and  people.  Dr.  Gumptowicz,  a prominent  Pole, 
declares  : — - 

“ Alcohol  is  the  indispensable  tool  of  Russian  militarism. 
“ In  his  natural  state  the  Russian  soldier  is  rough,  but  good- 
“ natured ; it  is  through  alcohol  alone  that  he  becomes  a brute. 
“ All  the  cruel  outrages  which  Russian  soldiers  perpetrated 
“ during  igo6  at  Warsaw,  Lodz,  and  other  Polish  towns,  often 
“ upon  perfectly  harmless  people,  had  one  unfailing  preliminary. 
“ The  soldiers  were  first  of  all  plied  with  spirits  by  their  officers, 
“ and  were  only  let  loose  on  the  populace  when  they  had  become 
“half-drunk.  In  this  condition  they  are  capable  of  anything, 
“and  the  most  inconceivable  barbarities  became  everyday 
“ occurrences.” 

For  many  years  the  drunkenness  of  the  people  was  appar- 
ently acquiesced  in  by  the  various  Governments,  for  every 
obstacle  was  put  in  the  way  of  organised  effort  to  save  the  nation 
from  alcoholism.  During  the  past  few  years  there  has  been 
an  awakening  of  the  people  to  their  great  danger,  and  Tem- 
perance societies  have  sprung  up  in  many  parts  based  upon  the 
true  principal  of  total  abstinence.  M.  Tadensz  Strumillo,  of 
Cracow,  Poland,  says  : — 

“ The  Temperance  movement  in  Poland  is  based  on  a 
“general  patriotic  and  ethical  elation.  The  work  is  chiefly 


106 


“ carried  on  privately.  It  has  the  support  of  the  .\ulhoritie« 
“ only  in  Austrian  Poland,  and  the  organised  propaganda  has 
“ there  made  a considerable  success.  Temperance  Societies  in 
Russian  Poland  have  only  been  permitted  in  recent  years,  and 
“ in  German  Poland  the  work  has  been  much  restricted  by  the 
“ general  anti-Polish  attitude  of  the  German  authorities.” 

The  ill-effects  of  alcoholism  and  the  beneficent  results  of 
total  abstinence  have  become  so  well  known  that  great  progress 
is  being  made  in  many  parts. 

Russian  Poland. — In  that  portion  of  Poland  which  is  under 
the  Czar  of  Russia,  a progressive  Temperance  movement  broke 
out  at  the  close  of  the  great  strike  of  1906.  In  retaliation  for  the 
declared  brutality  of  the  Russian  soldiers,  the  Socialist  working 
men  declared  war  against  vodka.  They  attacked  the  spirit 
shops,  not  with  a view  to  drinking  the  vodka,  but  to  destroy 
it,  and  many  thousands  of  gallons  were  thus  poured  into  the 
gutter.  ” Sobriety,”  it  was  declared,  ‘‘  must  be  the  watchword 
of  the  social  revolution,”  and  tens  of  thousands  of  workmen 
formed  the  decision  to  abstain  from  spirits  and  tobacco.  The 
Radicals  of  the  middle  classes  issued  a leaflet  calling  upon  the 
Polish  nation  to  follow  the  example  of  ‘‘  their  brothers,  the 
working  men.”  During  the  past  six  years  it  is  stated  that 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  men  who  formerly  cared  about  no 
movement  but  political  revolutions  and  strikes,  are  now  devoting 
the  same  active  spirit  of  self-sacrifice  to  the  total  abstinence 
propaganda.  So  strong  has  the  movement  become  that  the 
Russian  Government  have  permitted  Temperance  societies  to 
be  formed,  which  are  labouring  earnestly  for  the  cause.  Speak- 
ing generally  of  the  whole  of  Poland,  M.  Tadensz  Strumillo,  of 
Cracow,  Poland,  says  : ” During  the  last  decennium,  the  use  of 
alcohol  has  fallen  from  four  to  three  pints  (approximately)  per 
head  yearly.  This  fact  shows  that  Poland  is  one  of  the  most 
sober  countries  on  the  Continent.”  By  meetings  and  the  distri- 
bution of  literature  the  movement  is  being  spread  by  an  en- 
thusiastic and  well-informed  body  of  men  and  women  determined, 
if  possible,  to  save  their  country  from  the  dire  effects  of 
alcoholism. 

Austrian  Poland — Galicia — contains  a population  of  about 
nine  millions,  consisting  of  Poles,  Ruthenians,  Jews,  and  Ger- 
mans. It  is  not  yet  ten  years  since  the  first  total  abstinence 
society  was  organised  in  this  country,  but  wonderful  progress 
has  been  made  during  these  few  years.  The  principal  organisa- 
tion is  called  ‘‘The  Eluteria. ” The  promoters  of  this  society 
declare  ‘‘  that  it  is  not  possible  to  prosecute  successfully  any 
great  national  movement  except  upon  a basis  of  sobriety. 


Eluteria,  therefore,  is  not  applied  Christianity,  but  applied 
patriotism.”  This  society  is  not  permitted  either  in  Russian  or 
German  Poland,  but  in  Austrian  Poland  it  has  been  taken  hold 
of  most  enthusiastically.  Eluteria  circles  have  been  formed  for 
boys  and  girls,  university  students,  medical  men,  lawyers,  clergy- 
men, farmers,  and  working  men.  It  is  stated  ‘‘  the  women  of 
Galicia  do  not  use  intoxicating  liquors  as  a rule,  and  they  have 
exerted  good  influence  both  by  precept  and  example  upon  their 
husbands  and  all  the  sterner  sex.”  For  six  years  the  movement 
was  almost  wholly  confined  to  organisation  and  educative  work, 
but  in  the  seventh  year  it  was  determined  to  make  an  effort  in 
connection  with  legislation.  ‘‘  This  new  feature  first  manifested 
itself  in  villages,  whose  men  were  nominated  for  office  and  sup- 
ported, because  they  understood  the  importance  of  total  absti- 
nence, and  because  they  pledged  themselves  before  election  to 
promote  the  cause.”  In  the  eighth  year  the  Eluteria  made  an 
attack  upon  the  larger  political  areas  in  the  cities.  ‘‘  Candi- 
dates for  burgomasters  and  other  positions  who  were  either 
abstainers  themselves  or  who  solemnly  promised  to  support 
Temperance,  were  put  in  the  field,  and  many  were  elected.”  In 
the  ninth  year  the  elections  for  the  provincial  diet  took  place, 
and  the  Eluteria  held  mass  meetings  and  conventions  in  different 
parts  of  the  kingdom  ‘‘  to  develop  a spirit  in  favour  of  the  election 
of  deputies  who  would  stand  for  total  abstinence  and  for  Tem- 
perance legislation.”  Galicia  being  an  autonomous  province, 
much  has  been  gained  by  securing  a strong  total  abstinence 
party  in  the  provincial  diet.  Temperance  education  has  been 
secured,  improved  restrictive  legislation  against  the  liquor  bars 
has  been  adopted,  and  in  many  other  ways  the  question  has  been 
brought  before  the  authorities,  to  the  advantage  and  sobriety  of 
the  people. 

Dr.  B.  Gerzabek,  a native  of  Cracow,  Poland,  but  now  of 
Canada,  stated  in  igiz  : — 

” The  Polish  political  parties  in  Galicia,  and  there  are  no 
‘‘  less  than  twenty  of  them,  all  court  the  Eluteria,  and  they  leave 
” no  opportunity  for  criticism  to  suggest  that  they  arc 
‘‘  obscurantists,  or  that  they  would  hinder  the  work  of  remov- 
‘‘  ing  public  ignorance.  Moreover,  they  are  very  anxious 
” to  receive  the  advantage;  that  comes  from  the  moral 
‘‘  enthusiasm  and  patriotic  fervour  of  the  Eluteria.  As 
” a result,  many  deputies  have  been  elected  from  the 
‘‘  ranks  of  Eluteria,  and  the  discussion  has  been  transferred 
‘‘  to  the  legislative  chambers  by  earnest  patriotic  men.  Great 
” advantage  has  come  by  the  co-operation  of  legislative  enact- 
‘‘  ment  with  moral  teaching  and  patriotic  impulse.  So  far  the 
‘‘  chief  attack  has  been  made  upon  the  drinking  place,  or  bar- 


108 


“ room  as  U is  called  in  Canada.  W'ithin  a year  no  less  than 
“ twelve  thousand  bars  have  been  closed,  and  this  leaves  1,445 
“ districts  entirely  free  from  the  bar-rooms.  The  licences  brought 
“ the  provincial  Government  over  three  and  a half  millions  of 
“ dollars  a year  (;^yoo,ooo),  and  this  means  an  enormous  de- 
“ crease  in  the  revenue,  but  the  people  are  quite  wnlling  to  make 
“ up  the  difference  in  direct  taxation  that  they  may  be  free  from 
“ the  curse  of  drink,  and  they  are  that  much  the  better  able  to 
“ pay  the  taxes.  There  are  still  over  nine  thousand  bar-rooms 
“ left  in  the  kingdom,  and  plenty  of  work  and  worry  for  the 
“Eluteria  to  complete  the  campaign,  and  rid  the  whole  country 
“ of  the  temptation  to  drink.” 

Among  the  many  advantages  secured  by  the  agitation  and 
legislation.  Dr.  Gerzabek  states  : — 

‘‘  One  of  the  finest  reforms  achieved  is  connected  with  the 
‘‘  educational  system  of  the  country,  and  high  hopes  are  enter- 
‘‘  tained  for  the  future  when  these  younger  people  come  into 
” citizenship.  Apart  from  the  voluntary  associations  of  the 
” society,  the  school  law  provides  for  the  teaching  of  the 
‘‘  physical  effects  of  alcohol.  The  younger  children  are  taught 
“ simple  lessons  from  charts,  and  the  higher  classes  from  text 
‘‘  books,  but  all  students  in  the  State  schools  and  universities, 
“ from  the  third  form  up,  are  instructed  as  to  the  nature  of 
‘‘  alcohol  and  its  influence  upon  the  human  system. 

‘‘  But  the  reform,  as  far  as  it  has  gone,  has  splendidly  sus- 
‘‘  tained  the  claims  of  its  advocates.  The  savings  of  the  people 
‘‘  and  the  deposits  in  the  banks  have  greatly  increased.  The 
‘‘  prisons  are  losing  their  inmates,  and  crimes,  particularly  those 
‘‘against  the  person,  have  greatly  decreased.  Even  the  insane 
‘‘  asylums,  which  were  crowded,  with  loud  calls  for  increased 
‘‘  accommodation,  are  now  found  to  be  large  enough  and  room 
‘‘  to  spare.  These  advantages  are  due,  not  to  any  one  feature 
‘‘  of  the  movement,  but  to  a combination  of  them  all.  The  clergy- 
‘‘  men  testify  to  a marked  improvement  in  the  morals  of  the 
‘‘  people,  and  to  greater  liberality  in  the  support  of  charities  and 
‘‘  churches.  That  important  aim  of  Eluteria  to  develop  a 
‘‘  national  spirit  and  to  increase  the  potency  and  power  of  the 
“ Polish  race  is  being  attained.  The  Polish  parliamentary'  club 
‘‘  in  Vienna,  the  imperial  capital,  has  recognised  this  and  turned 
‘‘it  to  good  account  in  their  diplomatic  relationship  with  the 
‘‘  premiers  and  cabinets  of  the  Empire.” 

At  the  present  time  some  seven  thousand  circles  of  the 
Eluteria  have  been  formed,  and  Dr.  Gerzabek  says  : — 

‘‘  Eighty  per  cent,  of  the  people  at  least  have  been  suffici- 
‘‘  ently  educated  upon  this  question  to  understand  that  alcohol 
‘‘is  an  enemy  of  the  human  organism,  injurious  to  health  and 
‘‘  shortening  life.  They  have  learned  that  it  is  a great  foe  to 


109 


“ morals,  and  is  a hindrance  to  industrial  progress,  and  they 
“ have  also  learned  that  it  is  a political  evil,  and  that  as  long  as 
“ it  remains  with  the  protection  of  government  it  will  corrupt 
“ politicians  and  political  organisations  and  hinder  freedom. 
“ There  is  no  village  so  small,  but  it  has  its  own  circle,  whose 
“ members  by  their  own  conduct,  as  well  as  by  their  speeches  and 
“ demonstrations,  are  exerting  beneficent  influences  upon  their 
“ fellows. 

“Teachers  must  be  total  abstainers,  and  all  teachers  who 
“ have  qualified  in  recent  years  must  be  members  of  the  Temper- 
“ ance  association,  and  are  asked  to  present  their  Eluteria  certifi- 
“ cates  of  membership  when  applying  for  positions. 

“The  circles  of  professional  men  have  been  particularly 
“ enterprising  in  the  way  of  scientific  research,  and  more  than 
“ four  hundred  physicians  of  the  Eluteria  have  special  organisa- 
“ tion  for  investigating  the  physical  effect  of  alcohol.  There  is 
“ also  a special  group  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  lawyers  collabo- 
“ rating  with  respect  to  legislation.  Nearly  all  the  brotherhoods 
“ and  charity  associations  have  adopted  the  Eluteria  basis  and 
“affiliated  with  the  association,  and  also  many  sporting  clubs. 
“ The  most  prominent  archbishops,  bishops,  and  priests  are 
“ leaders  in  the  movement,  and  teach  from  the  pulpits  of  the 
“churches  as  well  as  giving  public  addresses  on  secular  occa- 
“ sions.  ” 

Dr.  Gerzabek  concluded  his  wonderful  statement  by 
saying  : — 

“ Of  course,  we  are  not  so  optimistic  as  to  expect  that  in  a 
“ few  years  all  the  Polish  people  will  be  drawn  into  the  circles 
“ of  Eluteria  and  become  total  abstainers.  We  are  still  far  away 
“ from  the  ideal,  and  there  is  great  work  ahead  of  us  to  be  done, 
“ but  we  are  encouraged  by  the  progress  made  and  we  believe 
“ that  the  movement  will  proceed  with  increasing  power  and 
“ accelerating  speed. 

“ Some  neighbouring  people  were  more  enterprising  in 
“ taking  up  this  reform,  and  they  have  carried  it  to  greater 
“ successes.  In  Finland,  for  example,  one  may  travel  for  days, 
“ visiting  many  towns  and  cities,  and  not  find  a single  place 
“ where  liquor  is  sold.  The  moral  and  educative  work  in  that 
“ country  has  been  carried  to  great  achievement,  and  the  diet  or 
“ parliament  has  repeatedly,  by  large  majorities,  declared  for 
“ total  prohibition,  and  that  would  be  the  law  in  Finland  to-day 
“ but  for  the  interference  of  the  Russian  overlord,  for  Russia  is 
“hungry  for  the  revenue  that  comes  from  the  sales  of  vodka, 
“even  though  it  may  destroy  the  health  and  morals  and  pros- 
“ perity  of  the  people.  While  Galicia  may  not  measure  up  with 
“ such  progress,  we  have  reason  to  be  proud  of  the  movement 
“ for  total  abstinence  and  the  splendid  results  already  attained.’’ 


CHAPTER  X 


The  Netherlands,  Belgium,  and  France 

“ Greed  of  wealth,  demoralisation,  political  indifference,  and  the  weaken- 
ing of  the  social  conscience,  have  to-day  allowed  alcoholism  to  spread 
terribly.  This  is  why  the  number  of  the  alcoholic  insane  has  grown  so  fear- 
fully. Society  is  full  of  persons  soaked  to  the  very  marrow  with  alcohol, 
either  pure  or  adulterated  Alcohol  intermingles  with  the  public  and  private 
life  of  most  persons.  Such  habits  cause  derangements  which  alarm  those  of 
the  clearest  vision.  There  seems  no  more  hopeful  cure  than  the  voluntary 
giving  up  of  this  brain  poison.  There  is  no  means  of  general  safety  of 
greater  value  than  the  entire  Prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic.  United  efforts 
are  justly  directed  against  such  poisons  as  lead  and  phosphorus,  substances 
far  less  dangerous,  with  a view  to  their  prohibition.  With  far  more  reason 
should  similar  efforts  be  put  forth  against  alcohol.  To  refrain  from  doing 
this  would  be  a distinct  sign  that  we  mean  to  bow  before  the  modem  deity. 
Mammon." — Dr.  Le^ain,  the  eminent  Alienist,  Paris  ( 1909). 


It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  in  all  the  spirit,  wine  and  beer 
producing  countries,  the  Temperance  cause  is  making  headway 
against  the  scourge  of  alcoholism,  which  curses  these  nations 
perhaps  more  than  any  others.  A number  of  good  men  and 
women,  having  the  welfare  of  their  fellows  at  heart,  have 
organised  a real  live  movement  for  total  abstinence,  and  there  is 
every  prospect  of  some  legislative  action  against  the  liquor  traffic 
in  the  near  future.  In  the  Netherlands,  the  Prohibition  of  the 
importation,  manufacture  and  sale  of  the  spirit  absinthe  was 
adopted  in  igog,  and  the  test  Local  \’eto  plebiscites, 
commenced  in  igio  have  been  continued  with  satisfactory 
results.  In  Belgium,  the  prohibition  of  the  spirit  absinthe, 
and  the  attitude  of  the  labour  leaders  in  the  recent  great  political 
strike,  have  been  real  gains  for  the  cause.  In  France,  the 
Absinthe  Prohibition  Bill  is  being  pressed  forward  by  a group  of 
Parliamentarians  and  Temperance  workers  with  much  vigour, 
but  the  power  of  the  saloon-keepers,  who  are  stated  to  number 
more  than  half  a million,  is  at  present  almost  omnipotent. 

The  deplorable  results  of  alcoholism  in  France  are  seen  in 
the  enormous  amount  of  pauperism,  crime,  insanity,  suicides, 
deaths  from  violence,  etc.,  while  the  statistics  continue  to  show 
that  the  birth  rate  is  considerably  below  the  death  rate.  Every 
authority  attributes  these  evils,  in  the  main,  to  the  great  con- 
sumption of  alcohol. 

The  Netherlands. — Up  to  i8gi  there  was  no  restriction 
whatever  upon  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors,  other  than  a tax 


Ill 


or  duty.  In  that  year  a new  law  was  passed  which  regulated 
the  retail  sale  of  spirits,  and  limited  the  number  of  licences  to  the 
number  of  inhabitants  in  all  the  towns  and  cities  throughout  the 
country.  The  number  was  fixed  as  follows  : — In  cities  of  50,000 
and  over,  one  licence  for  each  500  inhabitants ; over  20,000  to 
50,000,  one  for  each  400;  10,000  to  20,000,  one  for  each  300; 
and  in  all  other  places,  one  for  each  250.  This  may  seem  a very 
small  measure  of  reform  now,  but  at  the  time  it  was  passed  it 
was  a great  step  in  advance,  for  in  most  places  there  were  more 
than  double  the  number  of  licences  allowed,  and  great  difficulty 
arose  in  reducing  the  number. 

New  licences  were  refused  to  every  person  to  whom  a licence 
was  not  issued  before  1881.  Those  who  had  licences  in  1881  were 
allowed  to  have  them  only  on  condition  that  they  paid  duty 
according  to  the  value  of  the  licence  and  sale  together  with  cer- 
tain restraint  in  respect  of  any  other  profession  the  licensee  might 
be  following.  Large  numbers  of  innkeepers  gave  up  the  sale  of 
strong  drinks  and  this  brought  the  number  of  licences  within  a 
measurable  distance  of  that  fixed  by  Jaw.  The  reduction  in  the 
number,  together  with  a growing  Temperance  sentiment  among 
the  people  appears  to  be  accountable  for  the  fact  that  during  the 
thirty  years  since  1881,  the  consumption  of  spirits  has  diminished 
from  9.38  litres  per  head  to  5.19  litres. 

During  the  first  part  of  1904  the  Dutch  Parliament  had  under 
consideration  the  revision  of  the  Act  of  1881.  Several  amend- 
ments were  proposed  but  the  representatives  of  the  liquor  traffic 
in  Parliament  so  strongly  opposed  them  that  they  were  rejected. 
The  Temperance  Representatives  succeeded  in  carrying  an 
amendment  prohibiting  the  “ sale  of  whisky,  gin,  brandy,  and 
all  other  forms  of  spirits  at  the  railway  stations  and  on  the 
steamers.”  Other  liquors  less  alcoholic  such  as  wine,  beer,  etc., 
were  exempt  from  this  prohibition.  Another  amendment  which 
was  carried  was  that  all  local  councils  were  given  power  at  the 
end  of  every  fifth  year  to  petition  the  crown  for  a reduction  of  the 
maximum  number  of  licences  issued  in  their  districts,  and  to 
prevent  the  issuing  of  new  licences.  The  councils  were  also  given 
power  to  determine  that  in  certain  streets  no  licences  for  the  sale 
of  intoxicating  liquors  should  be  granted.  Strong  efforts  are 
being  put  forward  to  educate  the  people  so  that  they  will  adopt 
the  principle  of  total  abstinence  and  obtain  the  power  of  Local 
Veto  for  the  suppressing  of  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors.  WitJi 
a view  to  testing  the  opinion  of  the  people  on  the  question  of  the 
continuance  or  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  unofficial  contests 
have  been  held  in  several  towns  and  electoral  divisions.  In  these 


112 


contests  an  overwhelming  majority  has  been  recorded  in  favour 
of  complete  prohibition. 

The  following  figures  are  examples  of  these  test  votes  : — 


Town 

Unrestricted 

sale. 

For  the 
Status  Quo. 

For 

Reduction. 

For 

Prohibitum. 

Dinxperdo  

. ...  8 

88 

i6g 

418 

Smallingerland 

114 

801 

1.059 

3.642 

Schoterland  

809 

4,948 

4,016 

13.711 

Menaldumadeel 

63 

483 

726 

4.178 

Franehe  

■ 51 

198 

442 

2,869 

Totals  

...  1,045 

6,518 

6,412 

24,818 

Altogether  some  76,234  votes  have  been  recorded  in  con- 
nection with  these  contests  showing  3 per  cent.,  in  favour  of  un- 
restricted sale;  15  per  cent,  for  the  Status  Quo;  20  percent. , for 
Reduction;  and  62  percent.,  for  entire  Prohibition.  The  lowest 
percentage  of  those  voting  for  Prohibition  was  44,  and  the 
highest  80. 

The  great  gathering  at  the  Hague  in  1911  of  the  Inter- 
national Prohibition  Confederation,  at  which  about  half  the 
nations  of  the  world  were  represented,  and  the  International 
Anti-Alcoholic  Congress,  with  its  large  representation  from  the 
various  Governments  of  the  world,  did  much  to  lift  the  move- 
ment in  this  country.  The  annual  gatherings  of  the  “ Nether- 
lands Association  for  the  .Abolition  of  Alcoholic  Liquors  ” is 
attended  by  hundreds  of  men  and  women  from  all  parts  of  the 
country,  and  under  the  presidency  of  Mr.  P.  Van  der  Meulen, 
and  an  able  Executive  Committee,  it  is  doing  great  things  for  the 
advancement  of  the  Prohibition  movement.  There  are  also  a 
number  of  active  total  abstinence  societies,  and  the  Good  Tem- 
plar Order  has  become  large  enough  to  have  its  Grand  Lodge. 
The  number  of  Dutch  total  abstaining  members  of  societies  is 
reported  to  be  over  12,000.  Her  Majesty  Queen  Wilhelmina  gave 
the  .■\nti-.Alcoholic  Congress  her  support,  and  officially  invited 
all  the  other  Governments  to  send  official  representatives  to  the 
Congress.  The  population  in  1912  was  nearly  6,000,000. 

Belgium. — A few  years  ago  there  was  hardly  a ray  of 
brightness  in  the  Temperance  outlook  in  Belgium.  The  liquor- 
sellers  appeared  to  be  the  masters  of  the  country.  The  position 
in  1910  was  very  dark  indeed,  but,  in  the  short  space  of  three 
years  some  wonderful  changes  have  taken  place.  Madam 
Laveleys  stated  to  the  writer : — 

“ I should  like  our  Temperance  friends  in  other  countries 
“ to  realise  the  loneliness  of  the  total  abstainers  in  Belgium, 
“ and  the  need  our  country  has  to  be  enlightened  on  better 


113 


“ hygienic  rules.  Belgian  total  abstainers  belonging  to  the 
“ cultured  classes  are  so  rare  that  one  might  almost  count  them 
“ on  the  ten  fingers.  Thus  some  of  our  anti-alcoholic  societies 
“ are  led  by  moderate  drinkers.  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance 
“ that  outsiders  should  come  to  us  to  plead  for  total  abstinence, 
“ and  to  tell  the  people  that  in  other  countries  there  are  numbers 
“ of  educated  men  and  women  who  are  total  abstainers  because 
“ they  love  their  health,  and  because  they  love  their  neighbours.” 

Then  Madame  Keelhoff  also  sent  to  the  writer  the  following 
statement : — 

‘‘  It  is  with  the  deepest  sorrow  that  I have  to  give  you  the 
‘‘  following  bad  account  of  my  own  country.  We  have  220,000 
“ places  where  intoxicating  liquors  can  be  obtained,  and  in 
‘‘  addition,  beer  and  wine  are  sold  by  all  the  confectioners,  and 
“ gin  and  beer  by  all  fruiterers.  There  is  no  less  than  one 
” drinking  place  for  every  eight  men.  The  Belgian  drinks  the 
‘‘  most  beer  of  any  nation  in  Europe.  The  total  amount  of 
‘‘  intoxicating  liquors  consumed  by  each  Belgian  is  220  litres. 
“ The  Government  is  indifferent  to  the  question  of  alcoholism, 
” and  the  rich  will  not  hear  anything  about  the  fight  against 
‘‘  alcohol.  The  movement  in  Belgium  is  quite  in  Its  infancy.” 

In  a powerful  address  delivered  at  Liege,  Belgium,  in 
December,  1909,  Cardinal  Mercier,  the  Catholic  Primate  of 
Belgium,  made  this  declaration  : — 

‘‘  The  drink  bill  of  Belgium  has  now  reached  an  enormous 
“ sum.  What  a joy  it  would  be  if  we  could  have  half  of  this 
‘‘  for  insuring  our  workmen  an  honourable  old  age  pension.  The 
” proportion  of  alcoholics  among  those  condemned  for  crime  in 
‘‘  Belgium  in  1895  was  45  per  cent.,  in  later  years  it  has  reached 
‘‘  50  per  cent.,  while  amongst  the  worst  criminals  the  total  pro- 
‘‘  portion  of  alcoholics  was  44  per  cent.  Educate  public  opinion 
‘‘  and  prepare  the  way  for  the  intervention  of  the  law,  is  the 
” task  of  all  physicians,  magistrates,  priests,  publicists,  fathers 
‘‘  and  mothers,  young  men  and  young  women.” 

On  Sunday,  June  26th,  1910,  the  King  of  the  Belgians 
attended  an  anti-alcoholic  demonstration,  and  is  reported  to  have 
listened  with  deep  attention  to  an  eloquent  address  by  Cardinal 
Mercier,  and  also  to  one  from  the  great  French  barrister,  M. 
Henri  Robert,  who  said  after  the  gathering  : ‘‘The  King  by  his 
presence  has  done  more  for  the  popularisation  of  teetotalism  than 
the  most  eloquent  speeches.”  Thus  the  matter  stood  in  1910 — a 
few,  but  able  and  determined,  men  and  women  were  pressing  the 
question  upon  the  attention  of  all  classes,  with  apparently  little 
result.  In  three  years  a wonderful  change  has  taken  place.  The 
Good  Templar  Order  has  taken  root  in  the  country.  From  the 
one  weak  Lodge  in  Antwerp,  which  was  organised  and  lovinglv 


1 


114 


attended  to  for  many  years  by  Miss  Charlotte  Gray,  the  Order 
has  extended  to  Brussels,  and  other  places,  and  a flourishing 
District  Lodge  has  been  formed.  The  W.W.C.T.U.  has  grown 
in  strength  and  numbers,  while  other  societies  have  sprung  up 
to  fight  the  curse  of  alcohol.  In  January,  1913,  it  was  reported 
that  all  the  Temperance  societies  and  groups,  without  regard  to 
party  or  belief,  had  federated  into  a national  society  with  the 
title  of  the  National  Anti-Alcohol  Committee.  This  is  a step  in 
the  right  direction,  and  by  amalgamated  efforts  will  be  the  means 
of  doing  much  to  spread  the  cause  throughout  the  country. 

In  the  latter  part  of  1912  the  Socialists  of  Belgium  deter- 
mined on  a general  strike  with  a view  to  forcing  the  Govern- 
ment to  grant  universal  suffrage.  In  a preliminary  manifesto 
issued  to  the  working  men  and  women,  the  leaders  stated  : — 

“ Such  an  undertaking  demands  all  the  resources  of  the 
“ Belgian  proletariat,  and  as  the  accumulations  of  trades  unions 
“ are  likely  soon  to  run  short,  personal  economy  must  be  counted 
“ upon.  One  can,  at  least,  immediately  cut  off  the  tribute  fund 
“to  the  government  in  the  form  of  alcoholic  liquors,  .^.ccord- 
“ ing  to  the  statistical  year-book  for  1912  these  taxes  were  for 
“ Belgium  during  the  fiscal  year,  no  less  than  eighty  million 
“ francs,  and  of  this  amount  the  working  class  has  contributed 
“ perhaps  three-fourths.  And  these  sixty  millions  represent  only 
“ the  share  taken  by  the  State.  The  profits  of  the  manufacturers 
“ and  sellers  are  not  included.  Here  is  a lever  to  set  in  motion, 
“ if  money  is  to  be  gotten  together  for  winning  the  suffrage. 
“The  word  must  go  forth:  ‘Save  in  your  expenditure  for 
“ alcoholic  liquors  and  for  amusements.’  For  in  the  impending 
“ general  strike  not  only  is  the  suffrage  to  be  won,  but  the  organ- 
“ ising  capacity  of  the  working-class  strengthened,  proletarian 
“ solidarity  intensified,  and  the  moral  condition  of  the  people 
“ raised.  ’’ 

The  strike  commenced  on  April  14th,  1913,  and  lasted 
for  over  a week,  about  500,000  men  and  women  left  their  em- 
ployment, so  that  practically  the  whole  of  the  factories,  mines, 
etc.,  were  idle.  Great  disturbances  were  expected,  and  the 
military  were  under  orders  the  whole  time  the  strike  lasted. 
Strange  to  say  that  owing  to  the  abstinence  of  the  workers,  the 
most  perfect  order  was  observed  from  the  commencement  of  the 
strike  to  its  close.  The  Brussels  correspondent  of  the  Daily 
Mirror,  a London  illustrated  newspaper,  wrote  on  .A.pril  20th, 
1913 

“ The  most  wonderful  feature  of  the  strike  is  its  teetotalism. 
“ Belgium  has  the  unenviable  record  of  heading  the  consumption 
“ per  head  in  Europe  of  alcohol,  both  in  beer  and  spirits.  Yet 
“ the  strike  organisers  have  succeeded  in  inducing  the  strikers 


115 


“ to  become,  for  the  time  being,  teetotalers,  and  at  the  various 
“ strike  headquarters  I have  only  seen  coffee  and  milk  drunk. 
“ This  has  had  so  severe  an  effect  on  the  takings  of  drink  estab- 
“ lishments  that  in  various  bars  in  the  working-class  quarters 
“it  is  announced  that  there  will  be  special  ‘ strike  glasses  ’ of 
“ beer  at  a halfpenny  a time.” 

Similar  testimony  was  given  by  all  the  leading  daily  news- 
papers in  every  capital  in  Europe,  under  such  headings  as 
“Teetotal  Strike  Goes  On,”  or  “The  Workers  of  Belgium 
Fighting  without  Drink.  ” It  is  too  early  yet  to  state  what  effect 
this  remarkable  abstinence  movement  will  have  upon  the  general 
Temperance  cause  in  Belgium,  but  the  testimony  of  many  is 
that  the  working  men,  especially  the  leaders,  are  beginning  to 
realise  that  the  liquor  interest  is  blocking  the  way  to  all  economic, 
material  and  moral  progress,  and  must  therefore  be  opposed. 

The  population  of  Belgium  in  igio  was  nearly  7,500,000, 
and  a number  of  members  of  its  Chamber  of  Representatives  are 
active  Temperance  reformers. 

France. — From  one  of  the  most  sober,  France  has  become 
the  most  alcoholic  nation  in  Europe.  “ In  sixty  years,”  says 
Deputy  Joseph  Reinach,  “ the  nation’s  consumption  of  alcohol 
has  increased  nearly  six  times.  The  amount  taxed,  according 
to  the  statistics  for  1911,  is  equivalent  to  nearly  4,000,000  hecto- 
litres of  brandy.  This  great  increase  in  alcoholism  is  due  to  the 
complete  liberty  of  the  sale  of  spirits.  While  England  has  one 
licensed  house  to  every  430  inhabitants,  Sweden  one  to  every 
5,000,  and  Norway  one  to  every  g,ooo,  France  has  one  to  every 
82,  or  one  to  every  25  or  30  adults.”  To  the  appalling  spread 
of  alcoholism  M.  Reinach  attributes  the  increase  in  the  number 
of  suicides,  which  has  almost  trebled  in  the  last  fifty  years ; mad- 
ness, which  in  thirty  years  has  nearly  doubled,  and  tuberculosis, 
which  now  carries  off  150,000  victims  every  year.  The  enormous 
extension  in  crime  is  also  proved,  by  the  statistics  of  the  Ministry 
of  Justice,  to  be  principally  due  to  the  drink  curse.  He  points 
out  that  the  most  deadly  enemy  to  the  drunkard  is  absinthe,  of 
which  France  consumes  more  than  all  the  rest  of  the  world  put 
together,  and  recalls  the  fact  that  in  1903  the  Academy  of 
Medicine  of  France  unanimously  demanded  the  total  suppression 
of  all  liquors  composed  of  alcohol  and  natural  and  artificial 
essences. 

The  cultivation  of  the  vine  and  the  production  of  wine  is 
strangely  declared  by  the  wine-growers  to  be  an  antidote  to 
spirit-drinking,  and  the  French  Government — under  the  political 
power  of  the  wine-growers — has  taken  all  duty  off  French  wines 


116 


with  a view  to  increasing  their  consumption  and  lessening  the 
consumption  of  spirits.  While  there  has  been  a great  increase  in 
the  consumption  of  wine  there  has  been  no  reduction  in  the  con- 
sumption of  spirits.  The  wine-producers  also  distil  hundreds  of 
millions  of  hectolitres  of  spirits  which  escape  the  payment  of 
duty.  7'his  amount  of  spirits  is  largely  consumed  by  the  wine- 
growers and  their  families  and  is  paid  to  the  work-people  as 
part  of  their  wages. 

The  reports  of  the  Commissions  in  favour  of  drastic  action, 
the  declarations  of  statesmen  and  leading  men  of  all  professions, 
together  with  the  appeals  from  scientific  societies,  are  practically 
set  at  naught,  because  of  the  electoral  power  of  the  liquor 
interest.  Dr.  Bertillon,  head  of  the  Municipal  Statistical  De- 
partment, states:  “There  are  1,378,000  distillers  in  France”; 
while  it  is  also  stated  that  the  number  of  wine-growers  must  be 
considerably  more.  In  Paris  alone  there  are  over  30,000  places 
opened  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors. 

Several  attempts  have  been  made  during  the  past  few  years 
to  get  some  legislation  through  the  Senate  and  Chamber  of 
Deputies,  but  unlike  almost  every  other  country  in  Europe,  the 
Upper  House  has  been  more  desirous  of  passing  some  measure 
to  curtail  the  evils,  than  the  more  representative  Chamber  of 
Deputies.  M.  Reinach,  the  leader  of  the  anti-alcoholic  party  in 
the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  has  made  several  efforts  to  secure  the 
prohibition  of  the  spirit  absinthe ; to  limit  the  number  of  liquor 
saloons  to  not  more  than  one  to  every  200  of  the  population ; and 
to  prohibit  the  opening  of  any  further  places  for  the  sale  of 
alcoholic  liquors.  M.  Briand  and  his  government  supported  the 
efforts  of  M.  Reinach,  but  were  defeated  in  the  Chamber.  The 
Premier  said  — 

“The  Government  views  the  situation  with  alarm;  it  is 
“ terrible,  and  it  is  a question  of  national  interest,  for  the  very 
“ life  of  the  nation  is  at  stake.” 

Having  failed  in  the  Chamber,  the  Temperance  friends  ap- 
pealed to  the  Senate,  and  M.  Jules  Guerin,  ex-Minister  of 
Justice,  introduced  a Bill  into  the  session  of  1910-11,  a most 
moderate  Bill  for  reducing  the  number  of  liquor  saloons.  The 
Bill  was  supported  by  the  Government,  by  M.  Meline,  the  ex- 
Premier,  and  others,  but  met  with  the  most  determined  oppo- 
sition from  those  engaged  in  the  liquor  traffic.  The  Paris 
correspondent  of  the  Dundee  Advertiser  stated  : — 

“ Telegrams  and  letters,  many  couched  in  the  most  un- 
“ parliamentary  of  French  language,  from  proprietors  of  debits 
“ (liquor  saloons)  throughout  the  country,  poured  in  upon  the 


“ Senators  every  day,  threatening  them  with  all  kinds  of  electoral 
“pains  and  penalties  if  they  passed  the  Bill.’’ 

In  spite  of  all  this  opposition  the  Bill  passed  through  the 
Senate  by  a vote  of  137  against  132 — a narrow  majority  of  five, 
but  failed  to  pass  the  Chamber,  and  has  therefore  been  lost. 

.^t  the  Presidential  election  in  1913,  the  question  of  the 
liquor  traflic  was  raised  by  Mile.  Marie  Denizard,  a most 
capable  and  courageous  woman  who  aspired  to  become  the  first 
woman  President  of  the  French  Republic.  Mile.  Denizard  has 
several  times  been  a candidate  at  legislative  and  municipal 
elections  in  her  native  Department  of  the  Somme,  where  she 
enjoys  a considerable  amount  of  popularity  among  her  fellow- 
citizens  of  Amiens,  and  if  it  had  rested  with  them  to  make  her 
President  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  she  would  have  been 
elected.  In  all  her  contests  Mile.  Denizard  placed  the  liquor 
question  in  the  very  forefront  of  her  political  or  municipal  pro- 
gramme. When  interviewed  in  reference  to  her  candidature  for 
the  Presidency  she  said  : — 

“ There  is  nothing  in  the  laws  of  France  to  prevent  me 
“ standing  as  a candidate  for  the  Presidency  of  the  Republic, 
“ and,  as  I intend  sending  my  voting  bulletin  to  every  Deputy 
“ and  Senator  in  France  before  the  election  day,  it  will  not  be 
“ necessary  for  me  to  appear  in  person  at  Versailles  on  January 
“ 17th. 

“If  I were  successful  at  the  election  1 should  begin  by 
“ giving  women  equal  political  rights  with  men.  Then  I should 
“ abolish  threequarters  of  the  existing  liquor  sellers.  ITiese  are 
“ the  greatest  plague  of  the  Republic,  morally,  socially,  and 
“ from  every  point  of  view  of  individual  hygiene  and  national 
“ welfare.  Having  done  that  much,  I think  I should  have 
“earned  the  gratitude  of  my  country  and  might  then  retire  into 
‘ ‘ privacy  again.  ’’ 

Needless  to  say.  Mile.  Denziard  was  not  elected,  but  her 
programme  was  widely  published  and  must  have  arrested  the 
attention  of  many  well-wishers  of  their  country.  The  new 
President,  M.  Poincar6,  is  stated  by  the  foreign  press  to  be 
favourable  to  Temperance  reform,  and  when  he  was  Minister 
of  Education  he  addressed  a circular  to  the  Prefets  suggesting 
the  teaching  of  the  real  effects  of  alcohol  to  the  children  in  the 
public  schools.  M.  Poincare  was  also  the  author  of  the  Municipal 
placard  against  alcoholism. 

The  following  is  from  the  London  Daily  CUizen  : — 

“ M.  Lafqnt,  the  well-known  Socialist  barrister,  expressed 
“the  opinon  at  the  last  congress  of  the  French  Socialist  Party 
“ at  Lyons,  that  it  was  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  cause  of 


US 


“ the  workers  that  the  crusade  against  alcoholism  should  be 
“ actively  supported.  At  that  time  he  was  a private  citizen, 
“ who  could  only  offer  moral  support  to  the  cause,  but  since  then 
“ he  has  been  appointed  Mayor  of  Firminy,  and  it  is  interesting 
“ to  observe  that  he  has  not  gone  back  upon  his  opinions,  but 
“ has  made  a strong  stand  in  his  official  capacity  against  the 
“ drink  traffic.  |ie  has  just  been  instrumental  in  framing  regu- 
“ lations  to  control  the  sale  of  liquor  in  the  town.  According  to 
“ these  new  by-laws  the  sale  of  intoxicants  will  not  be  per- 
“ mitted  in  premises  within  a stated  distance  of  a public  institu- 
“ tion  or  establishment,  such  as  schools  and  barracks,  and  to 
“ enable  the  police  to  see  that  the  regulation  against  selling 
“ drink  to  children  is  not  violated  all  licensed  premises  are  for- 
“ bidden  the  use  of  opaque  window  panes  or  casement  curtains 
“ and  blinds.  The  saloon-keepers,  naturally,  are  up  in  arms 
“against  the  action  of  the  municipal  Council,  but  the  law 
“ authorities  hold  that  the  framing  of  such  by-laws  is  quite  within 
“ the  province  of  the  mayor  and  corporation.  However,  the 
“ saloon-keepers  intend  to  appeal  to  the  courts  for  a ruling,  and 
“ they  are  being  backed  up  by  a section  of  the  press  which  refers 
“ to  the  action  of  M.  Lafont  as  a glimpse  of  ‘ liberty  under 
“Socialism.’  Meanwhile,  the  new  by-laws,  it  is  said,  are  ap- 
“ proved  of  by  the  majority  of  the  citizens  of  Firminy.’’ 

The  work  of  Mr.  Lafont  is  of  great  importance.  His  article 
on  the  Law  of  1880  gave  power  to  the  Mayors  to  prohibit  the 
opening  of  new  public-houses  or  drink  shops  within  a certain 
distance  of  churches,  hospitals,  schools,  etc.  At  present  only 
15  out  of  36,000  communal  districts  have  applied  the  law  but 
with  greater  knowledge  and  with  the  power  given  to  the  Mayors 
by  the  Senate  in  1913  it  is  expected  that  others,  especially  in 
country  districts,  will  adopt  this  prohibition. 

France  is  not  to  be  permitted  to  go  to  destruction  without 
knowledge.  Her  leading  scientists  are  speaking  out  against 
alcohol  with  no  uncertain  voice,  and  some  of  these  statements 
are  worth  placing  on  record.  M.  Bourgeois,  ex-Premier, 
declares  : — 

“ This  scourge  of  drink  has  a permanent  place  in  all  our 
“ social  miseries.  We  meet  it  everywhere.  It  hides  itself  behind 
“ tuberculosis,  in  madness,  in  crime,  and  it  is  always  at  the 
“ bottom  of  all  our  evils,  of  all  our  degeneracies.  It  is  the  chief 
“ enemy  of  the  race.’’ 

Dr.  Jacques  Bertillon  says  : — 

“ Are  you  fighting  tuberculosis?  .-Mcohol  appears  to  be  the 
“ most  deadly  cause  of  the  weakening  of  the  organism  in  pre- 
“ paration  for  tuberculosis.  It  is  the  master  cause.  .\11  other 
“causes  disappear  in  comparison." 


119 


Dr.  Roubinovitch,  of  the  Salpetriere,  says  : — 

“ They  talk  about  the  great  scourge,  tuberculosis,  which 
“ decimates  France  and  ordains  her  decay.  The  greatest 
“ scourge,  however,  is  alcoholism.  It  is  this  which  gives  up  the 
“ key  to  the  house  and  permits  the  sacking.  There  is  no  more 
“ burning  question  than  the  battle  against  alcohol,  the  cause  of 
“all  other  scourges.’’ 

Dr.  Landouzy  says  : — “ Alcohol  prepares  the  bed  for  tuber- 
culosis’’; and  M.  Mirman,  Director  of  Charities  and  Public 
Hygiene,  in  a-  report  to  the  Minister  of  State  on  the  sanitary 
condition  of.  France  from  1906  to  1910,  says: — 

“ It  is  not  only  in  the  domain  of  tuberculosis  that  alcoholism 
“exercises  its  disastrous  influence.  There  are  the  deaths  that 
“ are  due  to  alcohol  directly  through  inheritance,  among  which 
“ are  27,320  deaths  from  violence,  7,395  from  liver  cirrhosis, 
“ 22,719  registered  under  congenital  debility  or  malformation, 
“ and  those  ‘ other  causes.’  ’’ 

Dr.  Th.  Becker  says  : — 

“ French  figures  show  regularly  a recurring  increase  in  the 
“ crimes  of  personal  violence  at  the  time  of  the  wine-making 
“ season.  ’’ 

The  problem  of  alcoholism  in  the  French  Army  is  one  that 
is  ever  before  the  authorities.  Some  few  years  ago  it  was 
stated  that  at  least  thirty  per  cent,  of  those  entering  the  army 
were  incapable  of  service  owing  to  the  effect  of  alcohol.  In 
1900  General  Gallifet  issued  an  order  prohibiting  the  sale  of 
spirits  at  any  army  canteen,  wine  alone  being  permitted.  It  was 
thought  that  the  army  could  be  made  sober  by  the  drinking  of 
wine,  but  this  has  been  demonstrated  to  be  absolutely  incorrect. 
It  is  not  surprising,  therefore,  to  find  that  the  Military  Authori- 
ties continue  to  bring  up  for  discussion  the  question  of  alcoholism 
in  the  army,  and  to  emphasise  its  connection  with  the  crime, 
insanity,  and  tuberculosis  in  the  enlisted  men.  At  a Medical 
Congress  held  at  Nantes,  in  1909,  Professor  Regis,  of  Bordeau, 
said  : — 

“ I believe  it  will  not  be  useless,  while  we  are  discussing 
“ to-day  the  question  of  insanity  in  the  army,  to  call  again  the 
“ particular  attention  of  the  authorities  to  alcoholism,  which,  in 
“ spite  of  the  measures  already  taken,  remain  none  the  less  one 
“ of  the  most  powerful  factors  in  the  production  and  aggrava- 
“ tion  of  insanity,  as  well  as  of  criminality,  among  the  soldiers.’’ 

With  a view  to  reducing  the  evils  of  alcoholism  in  the  army 
the  authorities  have  erected,  or  opened,  in  connection  with  all 
the  Posts,  reading  and  writing  rooms  for  the  men.  Provision 
has  also  been  made  for  the  selling  of  tea,  coffee,  and  other  non- 


120 


alcoholic  drinks,  but  alas  ! French  wine  drinking  is  still  con- 
tinued. 

The  Good  Templar  Order,  which  for  years  had  only  one 
small  Lodge  in  Paris,  founded  by  Miss  Charlotte  Gray,  during 
1912  opened  a number  of  Lodges  in  Paris  and  other  places.  By 
the  end  of  the  year  the  Order  had  become  so  strong  in  members 
and  Lodges  that  a Grand  Lodge  was  formed  for  the  whole 
country  and  bids  fair  to  become  a power  in  the  fight  against 
alcoholism.  The  Blue  Cross,  and  other  Societies,  are  also  doing 
some  effective  work,  and  one  Roman  Catholic  Total  Abstinence 
Society  has  also  been  established.  The  French  Roman  Catholic 
clergy,  alarmed  at  the  enormous  evils  resulting  from  alcohol,  are 
beginning  to  stir  themselves.  Bishop  Turinaz  of  Nancy  has 
issued  a number  of  pastorals  to  all  the  diocesan  clergy,  request- 
ing them  to  bring  the  matter  before  their  congregations.  Bishop 
Latty,  the  Abbe  Ract,  the  Abbe  Gibier,  and  others,  have  issued 
appeals  to  the  people  against  alcoholism.  Bishop  Latty  has  also 
introduced  Temperance  instruction  into  his  schools  and  con- 
firmation classes. 

The  head  of  the  French  Republic  is  a President.  He  is 
elected  by  a National  Assembly,  consisting  of  the  members  of 
the  Senate  and  the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  and  holds  the  position 
for  seven  years.  Tire  Senate  consists  of  300  members  elected  by 
an  indirect  vote  for  nine  years ; a third  retire  every  three  years. 
The  Chamber  consists  of  597  Deputies,  elected  by  universal  male 
suffrage,  for  four  years.  Very  few  of  the  members  of  either 
House  are  known  to  be  total  abstainers,  but  91  members  of  the 
Senate  and  over  100  members  of  the  Chamber  are  stated  to  be 
members  of  the  Anti-Alcoholic  League. 


CHAPTER  XI 


Sp2dn  and  Portugal 

“ I feel  compelled  to  join  in  the  fight  against  alcoholism  and  its  terrible 
results  because  1 consider  the  theme  to  be  of  the  very  greatest  and  highest 
importance  to  social  sanitation  and  national  welfare.  The  fearful  con- 
sequences that  alcohol  produces  upon  the  human  race  demands  the  most 
complete  organisation  for  its  suppression.  The  fact  that  alcohol  is  a poison 
and  its  general  use  evil  is  a justification  for  the  adoption  of  total  abstinence 
for  the  individual  and  prohibition  for  the  nation." 

Dr.  Federico  Montaldo,  Chief  Medical  Officer  of  the  Spanish  Navy  {1911). 


The  outstanding  achievements  in  connection  with  the  Tem- 
perance movement  on  the  Continent  of  Europe  is  the  declaration 
by  a large  number  of  scientific  men  and  leaders  of  public  opinion 
that  the  supposed  benefits  of  alcoholic  liquors  is  now  a thing  of 
the  past.  The  wine  growing  countries — the  very  paradise  of  the 
vintner  and  the  vendor  of  intoxicating  liquors — have  been  in- 
vaded, and  the  principles  of  total  abstinence  and  prohibition  are 
being  advocated  with  great  ability,  energy  and  determination. 
And  amid  the  denunciations  of  those  financially  interested  in  the 
liquor  traffic,  the  evils  of  alcohol  are  being  clearly  demonstrated, 
to  the  amazement  of  millions  of  people  who  have  been  led  to 
believe  that  alcohol  was  the  very  elixir  of  life.  In  Spain  an  Anti- 
.■\lcoholic  League  was  formed  in  April,  1911,  and  although  largely 
working,  at  present,  among  the  educated  and  professional  classes, 
is  making  itself  felt  in  many  directions.  In  Portugal  a National 
Temperance  League  was  formed  in  November,  1913,  with  a dual 
basis. 

Spain. — In  Spain  there  is  practically  free  trade  in  liquor, 
except  in  a few  townships,  with  a population  of  less  than  1,000, 
that  have  availed  themselves  of  the  option  of  undertaking  the 
municipal  sale  of  intoxicants.  In  these  few  places  the  manu- 
facturers are  entitled  to  run  one  saloon,  but  no  one  else  is 
allowed  to  compete  with  the  municipal  liquor  shops.  There  are 
heavy  duties  upon  all  imported  foreign  wines  and  spirits,  and  all 
Spanish  made  spirits  are  also  heavily  taxed.  All  shops,  in- 
cluding taverns,  pay  an  annual  fee  to  the  national  exchequer, 
and  a local  tax  is  levied  upon  a number  of  articles  entering  the 
town,  including  until  recently  all  kinds  of  intoxicating  liquors. 

About  two  years  ago  the  duties  on  brandy  and  spirits  were 
largely  increased,  but  the  consumo  (the  equivalent  of  the  French 
octroi  duties)  on  native  wine  on  entering  a town  or  city  was  dis- 
continued. The  loss  of  revenue  being  replaced  by  a new  tax  on 
railway  tickets.  Tliis  mistaken  legislation  founded  on  the  de- 


122 


lusion  that  wine  drinking  is  innocuous,  has  caused  drunkenness, 
notably  in  Seville,  to  increase  by  leaps  and  bounds.  The  Gov- 
ernment no  doubt  honestly  believed  that  they  were  legislating 
in  favour  of  Temperance,  and  were  confirmed  in  this  belief  by 
the  opposition  of  the  liquor  sellers. 

In  consequence  of  this  legislation  it  is  now  impossible  to 
ascertain  the  quantity  of  wine  drunk  in  any  given  district.  Previ- 
ously statistics  more  or  less  reliable,  were  available  that  proved 
conclusively  the  connection  between  drink  and  crime,  a con- 
nection that  some  deny  to  exist  in  the  Latin  nations.  Don 
Jimenez  Aacarate,  in  his  work  on  “ Crime  in  Asturias,”  show's 
that  in  five  townships  where  a large  quantity  of  wine  was  drunk 
the  amount  of  crime  was  much  greater  than  in  the  five  townstiips 
in  the  same  province  where  the  amount  consumed  was  small. 
Again,  he  shows  that  in  the  fourteen  years  ending  1897  the  con- 
sumption of  liquor  increased  by  80  per  cent.,  and  that  crime  in 
the  same  period  increased  58  per  cent.  From  the  statistics  he 
gives,  it  appears  that  in  one  district  where  137  taverns  were 
opened  there  were  in  one  year  289  cases  of  serious  crime.  Later 
when  the  taverns  only  numbered  87  the  cases  of  crime  dropped  to 
182,  showing  a reduction  of  37  per  cent.,  in  both  cause  and  effect. 

When  a man  decides  to  sell  intoxicants  he  simply  hangs  the 
branch  of  a pine  tree  over  the  door  of  his  shop.  He  pays  no 
special  licence  fee,  and,  with  the  exception  of  a few'  of  the  larger 
cities  like  Madrid  there  are  no  restrictions  in  regard  to  the  hours 
of  sale. 

In  the  smaller  towns,  the  .-Alcalde  can  regulate  the  hours  of 
sale,  but  he  rarely  if  ever  exercises  this  power,  and  is  often  him- 
self found  drinking  into  the  small  hours  of  the  morning.  The 
livelihood  of  the  tavern-keeper  seldom  depends  entirely  upon  the 
sale  of  intoxicants.  He  often  sells  groceries  and  in  some  parts  of 
Spain  generally  possesses  more  or  less  land,  when  he  sometimes 
makes  his  wine  from  his  own  grapes,  selling  in  addition  a small 
quantity  of  brandy,  and  in  the  seaports  rum  and  beer.  \'ery  little 
common  wine  is  sold  in  the  cafes,  where  the  principal  liquor  con- 
sumed is  brandy,  both  alone  and  mixed  with  the  coffee,  .\lmost 
all  the  drunkenness,  however,  is  caused  by  the  wine-drinking  in 
the  tavern. 

In  the  Aragonese  provinces  where  there  are  very  few  land- 
owners,  there  is  much  less  drunkenness  than  in  those  of  Valencia 
where  90  per  cent.,  of  the  adult  males  are  landed  proprietors. 

While  there  is  a considerable  amount  of  drunkenness  in  the 
large  centres  of  population  and  even  in  some  parts  of  the  country 
districts,  the  women  in  the  small  towns  and  villages  of  Castille 


123 


and  Central  Spain  generally,  are  almost  all  abstainers,  drinking 
water  at  their  meals  while  the  men  are  supping  their  wine.  In 
Eastern  Spain  things  are  greatly  different.  There,  the  whole 
family  including  the  women  and  even  the  latest  baby  may  be 
found  drinking  the  wine  of  the  country,  invariably  at  meals  and 
often  when  at  work  or  play. 

As  a natural  result,  the  children  of  Eastern  Spain  are  not  so 
healthy  as  those  in  Central  Spain,  and  the  infant  mortality  is 
much  higher.  The  people  work  such  long  hours  that  there  is 
very  little  drunkenness  to  be  seen,  except  on  Sundays  and  feast 
days,  when  drunkenness,  gambling,  and  other  evils  are  the  order 
of  the  day.  Unfortunately,  year  after  year  there  is  a steady 
increase  in  the  consumption  of  alcoholic  liquors,  especially 
spirits.  The  death  rate  has  grown  with  the  increased  consump- 
tion of  spirits  until  in  Madrid,  in  1907,  it  reached  42  per  1,000, 
while  in  some  of  the  large  cities  it  was  considerably  higher. 
But  for  alcohol  the  death-rate  should  not  exceed  14  per  1,000 
in  the  country,  and  25  in  the  towns.  Dr.  Mata  in  his  “ Medicina 
Legal  y Toxicologia,  ” a work  that  received  a Government  prize, 
states  that  the  taverns  are  places  that  are  the  source  of  every 
kind  of  evil  and  that  feast  days  in  the  towns  are  always  days 
signalised  by  acts  of  violence,  quarrels,  free  fights,  accidents 
and  homicides,  on  account  of  the  crowded  state  of  the  taverns 
and  other  drink  shops. 

The  Spanish  laws  are  passed  as  mere  skeletons,  which  the 
Government  clothe  as  they  like.  The  spirit  of  the  law  is  also 
left  to  the  Government  and  not  to  the  law  courts.  In  1905  the 
Government  decided  that  all  places  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating 
liquors  should  be  closed  on  Sunday.  The  liquor  sellers  were  up 
in  arms  against  such  an  order,  and  actually  closed  their  taverns 
for  the  whole  of  one  day  as  a protest.  The  Government  being 
defeated  on  another  issue,  had  to  go  out  of  office,  and  the  new 
Government  capitulated  to  the  liquor  traffic,  permitting  the  liquor 
shops  to  re-open  on  the  Sunday.  In  1907  the  Sunday  Closing 
Government  again  came  into  power,  and  notice  was  at  once 
given  to  the  hotel  and  tavern  keepers  to  close  their  liquor  bars 
on  the  Sunday.  On  the  first  Sunday  the  order  came  into  force 
the  liquor  men  determined  to  defy  the  Government,  keeping  their 
places  open  and  selling  liquor  in  the  usual  way. 

The  Society  of  Barmen  and  Barmaids  petitioned  the  Gov- 
ernment demanding  that  it  should  show  firmness  in  supporting 
the  law.  Thus  backed  up,  the  Government  and  the  police  deter- 
mined to  enforce  the  law,  so  that  the  liquor  traffickers  had  to  obey, 
sufferinga  most  inglorious  defeat.  The  women,  remarkable  to  state, 
rallied  in  support  of  a sober  Sunday.  The  press  reported  that  in 


124 


Madrid,  “parties  of  working  women  besieged  the  doors  of  the 
cafes  and  bars,  where  their  husbands  had  foregathered,  as  usual, 
to  discuss  the  affairs  of  the  nation,  and  refused  to  disperse  till  the 
men  had  been  turned  out  and  the  places  closed.’’  Such  a scene, 
it  is  stated,  has  seldom  been  witnessed  in  Spain  before,  and  the 
demonstration  of  the  women  was  a revelation  to  both  the  Gov- 
ernment and  the  liquor  sellers.  .Mter  the  law  had  been  in  force 
for  some  time  it  was  announced  in  the  Madrid  papers  with  some 
surprise:  “Since  the  taverns  have  been  closed  on  Sundays  in 
Madrid  there  has  been  no  Sunday  crime.’’  This  clearly  shows  the 
connection  between  the  open  liquor  shops  and  crime.  Owing  to 
another  change  of  Government  in  1911,  Sunday  Closing  was 
again  abandoned,  much  to  the  injury  of  the  community.  The 
liquor  sellers  declared  that  they  were  being  ruined  by  the  Sunday 
prohibition,  and  though  that  was  doubtless  an  exaggeration, 
there  is  no  disputing  the  fact  that  the  people  were  greatly 
benefited  by  the  law.  Senor  M.  Maura,  when  Prime  Minister, 
promised  to  issue  a report  in  reference  to  the  number  of  deaths 
through  alcohol,  but  owing  to  the  changes  in  the  Government, 
this  report  has  not  yet  been  published. 

The  Temperance  movement  in  Spain  is  greatly  indebted  to 
Mr.  Alfred  R.  Ecroyd,  now'  of  Torquay,  for  his  energetic  propa- 
ganda. He  has  lived  for  a number  of  years  at  Artana,  near  Val- 
encia, and  by  means  of  literature,  letters,  and  personal  visitations, 
has  induced  a large  number  of  persons,  including  more  than 
220  medical  men,  to  adopt  the  principle  of  total  absti- 
nence, and  to  declare  themselves  in  favour  of  Prohibition. 
These  include  such  well-known  men  as  El  llustrisimo  Dr. 
Federico  Montaldo,  Naval  Medical  Officer,  Madrid ; Dr.  Don 
Miguel  Gallart,  of  Tales;  Rev.  Francisco  .Angelats  and  Dr.  Rod- 
riguez Mendez,  ex-M.P.  for  Barcelona  and  ex-Rector  of  its 
University;  the  Count  of  Pinofiel,  Madrid;  Rev.  Francisco  Albri- 
cias,  Protestant  Pastor  and  Superintendent  of  a large  school  in 
Alicante ; Rev.  Carlos  Araujo,  President  of  the  Spanish  Christian 
Endeavourers,  Zaragoza,  and  others. 

The  formation  of  the  Anti-.\lcoholic  League  for  Spain  by  Mr. 
Ecroyd  and  the  publication  of  the  Temperance  paper,  El 
Abstemio,  have  been  real  gains  to  the  movement.  During  the 
two-and-a-half  years  of  its  existence  one  hundred  and  twenty 
thousand  copies  of  this  paper  have  been  sent  gratis  by  post  to 
every  Province  of  Spain  and  also  to  many  parts  of  Spanish 
America. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1912  the  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Jaca 
became  an  associate  subscriber  to  the  League,  and  early  in  1913 


issued  a pastoral  to  his  clergy  entirely  confined  to  denunciation 
of  alcoholic  drinking.  He  also  wrote  a valuable  article  for  El 
Ahstemio.  This  resulted  in  an  increased  number  of  pledges 
from  Priests.  His  Excellency  Don  Antolin  Lopez  y Pelaez  has 
since  been  translated  to  the  Archbishopric  of  Tarragona.  The 
Protestants  of  Spain  have  not  as  yet  largely  supported  the 
League  although  half  of  the  Executive  Committee  are  Protes- 
tants. The  Treasurer,  Mr.  Russell  Ecroyd,  of  Castellon  de  la 
plana,  and  his  Spanish  wife  (nee  Perez)  and  several  members  of 
her  family  are  amongst  its  most  indefatigable  workers.  Owing 
to  their  propaganda  the  members  of  the  large  Baptist  Church 
in  Valencia  have  recently  unanimously  banished  alcoholic  wine 
from  the  communion  despite  the  opposition  of  their  Pastor. 
The  first  President  of  the  League  (igii-12)  was  Professor  Rodri- 
guez Mendez,  who  presided  over  the  Anti-Tuberculosis  Congress 
recently  held  in  Spain,  and  the  President  for  1913-14  is  Mr. 
Alfred  R.  Ecroyd.  In  1912,  Senor  P.  Sangro,  an  emi- 
nent lawyer  of  Madrid,  contributed  an  article  on  the 
evils  of  alcoholism  in  Spain,  to  the  German  magazine 
Die  Akoholfrage,  showing  among  other  things,  that  wine 
was  sold  on  credit,  which  was  bad,  and  that  in  the  Capital  there 
were  2,179  wine  shops  (Tabernos)  and  2,334  other  drinking- 
houses.  He  also  states  that  the  taxation  of  alcohol  in  Spain  does 
not  yield  a greater  income  than  15,000,000  pesetas  (;^550,ooo 
or  $2,200,000). 

The  Spanish  scientists  are  taking  the  matter  of  alcoholism 
into  their  serious  consideration.  In  May,  1910,  Dr.  Montaldo 
gave  a special  address  on  this  subject  to  the  members  of  the 
Spanish  Society  of  Hygiene,  in  Madrid:  “Alcoholism  and  its 
terrible  results  upon  individuals  and  the  human  race.” 

Dr.  Gallart,  the  Medical  Officer  of  Health  for  Tales,  Spain, 
has  become  so  greatly  in  earnest  that  in  1911  Mr.  Ecroyd  stated  : 

“ He  forbids  his  patients  to  touch  alcoholic  liquors  whilst 
“ under  his  care,  and  in  1909  and  1910  he  induced  a large  number 
“ of  both  sexes  to  sign  the  total  abstinence  pledge.  The  tavern 
“ keepers,  who  mostly  sell  wine,  soon  began  to  grumble  at  the 
“ diminution  of  their  trade,  and  the  proprietors  of  the  cafes, 
“ selling  brandy  and  other  alcoholic  liquors,  as  well  as  coffee, 
“ complained  of  a great  falling  off  in  their  profits,  owing  to 
“ the  doctor’s  advocacy,  and  they  each  offered  to  give  him  5 
“ duros  (;^i  or  $5)  if  he  woud  refrain  from  his  advocacy 
“ during  1910.  This  was  refused.  Instead  of  12  taverns  as  in 
1908,  there  are  only  three  in  1913.  The  decrease  in  the 
“ death-rate  in  Tales  has  been  remarkable,  dropping  from  an 
“ average  of  35  per  1,000  during  the  23  years,  1886-1908,  when 


126 


“ the  doctor  prescribed  sherry  wine  and  mutton  broth  for  every 
“ ailment,  to  14.4  in  1909  and  under  16  during  the  years  1910-13. 
“ During  this  period  the  mortality  in  an  adjoining  township  under 
“ a non-abstaining  doctor  was  40  per  1,000.” 

The  Licensing  World,  of  London,  announced  in  1912  that 
the  present  King  of  Spain  had  become  an  abstainer.  There  is, 
however,  no  confirmation  of  this  statement.  The  legislative 
authority  is  in  the  hands  of  two  Houses,  called  the  Cortes,  and 
divided  into  the  Senate  and  the  Chamber  of  Deputies.  The 
Senate  has  360  members.  The  Deputies  number  404,  elected 
for  ^ve  years  by  the  suffrage  of  all  males  over  25  years 
of  age.  The  population  of  Spain  in  1910  was  nearly  20,000,000. 
There  is  no  published  record  yet  of  the  number  of  total  ab- 
stainers, although  there  is  now  a goodly  number. 

Portugal. — The  political  differences  in  Portugal  and  the 
changes  from  a monarchical  form  of  Government  to  that  of  a 
Republic,  has  retarded  the  slight  beginnings  of  a Temperance 
movement.  But  in  this  land  of  liquor  production  there  are  a few 
patriots  who  are  sowing  the  seed  which  in  years  to  come  is 
sure  to  produce  a good  harvest.  Dr.  Joaquin  Leite  Junior,  of 
Coimbra,  Portugal,  one  of  the  \^ice-Presidents  of  the  Inter- 
national Prohibition  Confederation,  has  done  some  useful  work 
in  circulating  Prohibition  and  Temperance  literature  among  the 
people.  In  reply  to  a Memorial-Petition  sent  by  Mr.  E.  Page 
Gaston,  F.R.G.S.,  Hon.  Secretary  International  Prohibition 
Confederation,  the  Private  Secretary  to  His  Excellency  Dom 
Manuel  D’Arriage,  President  of  Portugal,  writing  from  Lisbon 
in  February,  1913,  stated  : ‘‘  His  Excellency  the  President  sends 
his  thanks  for  your  circular  of  the  i6th  ultimo  re  Prohibition 
Confederation,  which  he  approves  of  as  one  of  the  best  for  the 
welfare  of  mankind.”  With  a President  in  favour  of  Prohibition, 
and  a return  to  the  normal  state  of  social  and  commercial  life, 
with  greater  liberty  for  organising  the  forces  for  Temperance 
and  Prohibition,  and  the  formation  of  a National  Temperance 
League,  the  next  few  years  may  witness  a great  advance  in 
Portugal. 

The  present  Republic  was  established  on  September  nth, 
1911,  with  a President  elected  for  four  years.  Tlie  legislature 
consists  of  two  Houses — the  Senate  with  71  members  elected  by 
the  municipal  councils,  and  the  Chamber  with  164  members 
elected  by  the  people.  The  population  in  1910  was  nearly 
6,000,000, 


CHAPTER  XII 


Switzerland,  Italy  and  Monaco 

“ Some  twenty  years  ag-o  there  was  hardly  a real  popular  Temperance 
movement  in  Continental  Europe.  Some  gfood  work  was  done  through  the 
publications  of  men  of  science  ; but  they  were  like  the  Generals  of  the 
South  American  Republics,  officers  without  soldiers.  The  few  abstainers  of 
the  day  were  members  of  the  Blue  Cross  Society,  very  good  men,  faithfully 
devoted  to  the  reclaiming  of  drunkards,  but  caring  little  for  the  struggle 
against  alcoholism  as  a social  scourge.  Now  there  is  a mighty  and  steadily 
growing  movement  in  Europe  which  is  not  satisfied  with  the  spreading  of 
Temperance  truth,  but  aims  at  exerting  a legislative  influence.” 

Dr.  R.  Hercod,  Lausanne.^  Switzerland  ( 1912 ). 


The  movement  is  reported  to  be  in  a most  satisfactory  con- 
dition in  the  beautiful  country  of  Switzerland.  The  prohibition 
of  the  spirit  absinthe  in  igo8  has  been  so  beneficial  that  it  has 
prepared  the  way  for  some  more  drastic  legislation  against  other 
distilled  spirits,  and  even  beer  and  wine.  The  rapid  growth  in 
the  membership  of  the  various  Temperance  organisations  shows 
that  the  educative  propaganda  undertaken  by  the  Temperance 
reformers  has  been  eminently  successful.  It  is  often  asked, 
“What  is  to  be  done  with  the  grapes,  if  intoxicating  liquors  are 
prohibited?’’  The  great  dried  fruit  trade  is  one  outcome  for 
grape  growers,  and  the  increasing  demand  for  non-intoxicating 
wine  is  another.  The  trade  in  non-alcoholic  wine  appears  to  be 
growing  by  leaps  and  bounds.  One  Swiss  firm  at  Milan  reports 
the  selling  of  1,200,000  bottles,  while  the  total  sale  in  Switzer- 
land reaches  over  5,000,000  bottles  per  year.  The  entire 
European  output  is  now  stated  to  be  over  25,000,000  bottles  a 
year.  In  Italy  the  movement  is  yet  in  its  infancy,  yet  some 
wonderfully  effective  work  has  been  accomplished,  and  no  doubt 
the  gathering  of  Temperance  and  Prohibition  representatives 
from  all  parts  of  the  world  at  Milan  in  1913  will  have  given  the 
movement  a great  advance  in  “the  lovely  land  of  Italy.’’  The 
condition  of  things  in  Monaco  is  a disgrace  to  the  supposed 
advanced  civilisation  of  the  twentieth  century.  If  the  Turks  had 
to  be  driven  out  of  Europe  because  of  their  barbarities,  then 
the  drinking  and  gambling  in  the  Principality  of  Monaco  and 
Monte-Carlo  should  he  abolished,  and  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
spots  on  earth  cleared  from  the  taint  of  these  evils  which  now 
beset  and  curse  this  place, 


128 


Switzerland. — The  Temperance  movement  dates  back 
to  the  middle  of  the  last  century,  but  the  total  abstinence 
movement  was  commenced  in  1887  when  the  Blue  Cross  Society 
was  established.  Since  then  the  Good  Templar  Order  and  the 
Anti-Alcoholic  League  have  been  formed  and  are  doing  a power- 
ful work  for  the  cause.  The  growth  of  total  abstinence  may  be 
somewhat  gauged  by  the  number  of  members  of  total  abstaining 
organisations.  These  are  given  as  follows  ; — 


1891  

5.973 

1901  

28,589 

1906 

46,155 

I9I I 

81,683 

1913 

100,000 

Dr.  R.  Hercod,  Director  International  Temperance  Bureau, 
Lausanne,  says : — 

“ We  are  satisfied  in  Switzerland  with  our  progress.  The 
“Swiss  movement  is  well  organised;  a Swiss  Temperance 
“ Bureau  has  the  direction  of  a political  movement  and  of  the 
“ general  propaganda,  each  society  conserving,  of  course,  its 
“ autonomy.  It  was  thus  possible  to  prohibit  the  absinthe 
“ liquor  four  years  ago  ; it  will  be  possible  to  obtain  Local  Option, 
“ the  reform  which  the  Swiss  consider  as  ripe.  Preparations  for 
“the  Local  Option  campaign  are  already  made;  it  is  probable 
“that  we  shall  reach  the  full  veto  in  two  stages;  at  first  the 
“ local  veto  for  distilled  spirits,  and  only  a right  of  restriction, 
“ not  of  suppression,  for  fermented  liquors.  A political  cam- 
“ paign  in  Switzerland  is  more  difficult  tban  in  any  other  country, 
“ because  of  our  peculiar  constitution;  the  licence  laws  are  not 
“ promulgated  by  the  Federal  Government,  but  by  each  of  our 
“ 25  States,  so  that  we  have  not  one,  but  25  campaigns  if  we 
“ want  a measure  to  be  adopted  in  all  Switzerland.” 

In  1885  the  Swiss  Federal  Government,  it  was  stated,  in 
order  to  check  the  growing  consumption  of  ardent  spirits,  in- 
troduced a system  of  State  Monopoly,  and  a number  of  dis- 
tilleries were  suppressed,  and  a decrease  in  the  consumption  of 
spirits  was  reported,  but  there  has  been  a great  increase  in  the 
consumption  of  beer  and  wine.  The  canton  of  Geneva  was  the 
first  to  prohibit  the  sale  of  the  spirit  absinthe.  This  was  decided 
upon  by  a popular  vote,  the  majority  for  Prohibition  being  over 
6,000.  In  April,  1908,  the  question  of  the  complete  prohibition  of 
the  manufacture,  importation  and  sale  of  absinthe  came  before 
the  Swiss  National  Council,  and  after  a debate  which  lasted  for 
four  days,  it  decided  in  favour  of  Prohibition  by  82  against  53- — 
majority  for,  29.  The  Senate  also  supported  the  proposal, 


129 


although  the  Government,  in  the  supposed  interest  of  the 
revenue,  opposed  the  prohibition.  The  matter  then  went  to  the 
people.  The  great  plebiscite  took  place  throughout  the  whole 
country  on  July  5th,  igo8,  and  resulted  in  splendid  triumph 


for  Prohibition.  The  result  of  the  voting  was  as  follows  : — 

For  the  Prohibition  of  Absinthe  241,078 

Against  138,669 

Majority  for  Prohibition  102,409 

In  addition  to  the  laws  against  absinthe,  which  went  into 


operation  on  the  ist  October,  1910,  the  various  cantons  have 
adopted  a number  of  laws  which  aim  at  diminution  of  drunken- 
ness by  a reduction  in  the  number  of  liquor  saloons. 

In  1912  the  Society  of  Social-Democratic  Abstainers  issued 
the  following  very  valuable  manifesto  to  the  workers  of  Switzer- 
land, Germany,  and  Austria 

“ The  use  of  alcohol,  which,  in  the  last  century,  reached  an 
“ unprecedented  extent  among  all  circles  of  people,  is  a cause  of 
“ most  serious  economic,  hygienic,  and  moral  injury.  A series 
“ of  causes  work  together  for  this  extension. 

“ The  enormous  production  of  alcoholic  drinks  and  the 
“ growing  influence  of  alcohol  capital  in  economic  and  social 
“life;  the  destitution  and  ruin  of  the  poorer  classes  who  use 
“ alcohol  to  help  them  endure  unhealthy  working  and  other  dis- 
“ tressing  conditions;  the  widespread  prejudices  concerning  the 
“ nature  and  effects  of  alcoholic  drinks;  and  the  inherited  and 
“ often  coercive  drinking  customs. 

“The  use  of  alcohol  is  a contributory  or  chief  factor  in 
“ numerous  physical  and  mental  diseases.  Decrease  of  working 
“ ability,  increase  of  accidents  and  mortality  are  the  conse- 
“ quences  of  its  prevalence.  Deep-rooted  drinking  habits  are 
“ the  chief  cause  of  degeneracy  among  the  people.  The  use  of 
“ alcohol  invades  and  often  destroys  family  life.  It  is  responsi- 
“ ble  for  the  commission  of  many  crimes;  the  greater  part  of 
“ the  deeds  of  passion  are  its  results.  Especially  dangerous  is 
“ the  use  of  alcohol  by  young  persons,  and  the  effect  of  its  use 
“ by  parents  upon  their  descendants.  Alcohol  is  the  worst  kind 
“ of  an  enemy  to  civilisation. 

“ The  employment  of  a large  part  of  the  soil  and  economic 
“ strength  in  the  production  and  dissemination  of  the  means  for 
“ injurious  gratification  (genussmittel)  means  an  enormous 
“ waste,  a crippling  of  the  people’s  strength,  a lowering  of 
“ economic  efficiency.  A great  expenditure  of  energy  is  required 
“ for  relieving  and  healing  the  wounds  made  by  alcohol. 

“ It  is  the  duty  of  citizens  as  a body  to  oppose  with  all  the 
“ strength  at  their  command  the  alcohol  contagion.  As  the  most 


j 


130 


“ effective  measure  for  this  end  the  abstinence  movement  of  the 
“ poorer  classes  strives  to  secure  complete  prohibition  of  the 
“ production  and  sale  of  alcoholic  drinks,  through  the  voice  of 
“ the  people.  To  win  the  people  to  this  measure  by  education 
“ and  agitation  is  the  most  important  task. 

“The  working  classes  in  particular  suffer  most  severely 
“ from  the  influence  of  alcohol.  On  account  of  unfavourable 
“ working  conditions,  inadequate  food  and  housing,  and  neg- 
“ lected  education,  the  workman  is  able  to  oppose  only  a weak 
“ resistance  to  the  destructive  effects  of  alcohol.  With  his  small 
“ income,  the  expenditure  for  alcoholic  drinks  diminishes  to  a 
“ frightful  extent  the  amount  available  for  food  and  cultural 
“ purposes.  Alcohol  prevents  a man  from  realising  the  exhaust- 
“ ing  effects  of  his  long  hours  of  labour.  It  blinds  the  drinker 
“ to  the  poverty  of  his  food  and  home;  it  increases  the  dangers 
“ of  his  occupation  ; it  makes  it  more  difficult  for  him  to  maintain 
“ his  self-command  under  the  pressure  of  social  conditions. 

“ The  personal  injury  to  the  workman  is  increased  by  the 
“ hindrance  alcohol  imposes  upon  the  movement  for  the  emanci- 
“ pation  of  labour.  The  great  struggle  of  the  working  class  will 
“ make  heavy  demands  upon  their  discipline  and  capability,  the 
“ efficiency  of  which  is  impaired  by  alcoholic  drinking  customs. 
“ These  make  the  working  man  dull  and  indolent  and  un- 
“ ambitious.  Thus,  alcohol  is  one  of  the  worst  hindrances  to 
“ the  labour  movement. 

“ The  abstinence  movement  of  the  poorer  classes  stands  on 
“ the  same  basis  as  the  Social  Democratic  Party.  Both  aim  at 
“ the  evil  source  of  alcoholism.  It  is  a general  conviction  that 
“ improvement  in  the  working  man’s  conditions  of  living  con- 
“ tributes  to  the  suppression  of  alcoholism.  But  this  indirect 
“ method  is  not  enough  to  put  a complete  and  lasting  end  to 
“ alcohol  contagion.  It  must  be  supplemented  by  a direct  battle 
“against  the  alcohol  industry.  The  moderation  propaganda 
“ has  been  shown  to  be  ineffectual  against  the  deeply-rooted 
“ prejudices  in  favour  of  drink  and  the  machinations  of  the  liquor 
“ traffic.  .Abstinence,  both  in  living  example  and  in  the  neces- 
“ sary  supplementary  education,  is  the  only  sure  preventive. 
“ Organised  efforts  are  also  necessary  in  face  of  the  power  of 
“ the  liquor  traffic. 

“ The  organisation  of  Social-Democratic  .Abstainers  enjoins 
“ upon  its  members  abstinence  from  the  use  of  every  kind  of 
“ alcoholic  drink,  not  from  the  point  of  asceticism,  but  in  the 
“ interest  of  the  emancipation  of  labour,  and  for  the  sake  of 
“ increasing  the  true  joys  of  living.  Their  principal  task  is 
“ extending  the  knowledge  of  the  dangers  in  alcohol,  and  win- 
“ ning  labour  organisations  to  enter  the  battle  against  it.’’ — 
Translated  from  Der  Ahstitient  Arbeiter  (“The  Abstaining 
\\'’orkman.  ’’) 


131 


The  League  of  Swiss  Abstinent  Women  has  sent  out  blanks 
during  the  year  1912  to  the  most  important  Swiss  manufacturing 
firms  to  ascertain  the  extent  to  which  these  are  discouraging  the 
use  of  alcoholic  drinks  and  supplying  substitutes  therefore.  They 
find  that  a considerable  number  already  furnish  non-alcoholic 
drinks  (besides  good  drinking  water),  either  for  nothing  or  at 
cost  price.  Hot  tea  in  winter,  and  cold  in  summer,  are  favourite 
substitutes.  Thus  the  Winterthur  firm  of  Sulzer  Brothers  pro- 
vided in  one  year  712,685  bottles  of  tea,  and  in  addition  16,479 
liter  of  milk.  A shoe-manufacturing  firm,  Bally,  of  Schonen- 
uerd,  began  to  sell  milk  to  its  employees  in  1900.  The  demand 
was  only  12  liters  a day.  But  nine  years  later  the  daily  sales 
had  risen  to  500  liters  (among  1,482  workers).  The  Schaff- 
hausen  steel  works  sell  300  liters  of  milk  daily,  600  of  tea  and 
500  bottles  of  lemonade.  Many  industrials  forbid  the  use  of  in- 
toxicants during  working  hours  and  at  midday  meal.  Some 
further  give  anti-alcohol  instruction  by  means  of  lectures,  printed 
matter,  and  the  personal  example  of  the  heads  of  departments 
and  of  the  firm. 

Italy. — Until  the  last  four  or  five  years,  wine  drinking  was 
practically  universal.  Men  and  women,  boys  and  girls,  drunk 
wine  as  freely  as  many  other  people  took  tea  and  coffee,  and  for 
exactly  the  same  reason.  It  is  stated  that  the  Italians  do  not 
like  spirituous  liquor,  and  that  as  a rule  they  confine  themselves 
to  what  they  call  “their  own  pure  light  wine,’’  a drink  which, 
however,  is  proved  to  be  very  destructive  to  the  sobriety  of  the 
people.  Spirit  drinking,  however,  has  grown  very  considerably 
of  late  years.  In  some  parts  of  Italy  a very  pernicious  habit  has 
grown  up  of  paying  the  workpeople  half  their  wages  in  money 
and  the  other  half  in  wine. 

In  1909,  Mr.  Andrea  Shabaro,  President  of  the  California 
Grape  Growers’  Union,  circulated  a number  of  letters,  purport- 
ing to  come  from  British  and  American  Consuls  on  the  continent, 
claiming  that  “ drunkenness  has  been  practically  abolished 
wherever  wine  is  largely  produced  and  consumed.’’  This  is  one 
of  those  lies  which  the  liquor  party  are  constantly  using  to 
deceive  the  public  in  every  part  of  the  world.  We  are  indebted 
to  Dr.  R.  Hercod,  the  Supt.  of  the  International  Temperance 
Bureau,  Lausanne,  Switzerland,  for  his  prompt  and  effective 
denial  to  this  statement.  “ If,’’  says  Dr.  Hercod,  “ the  letters 
(quoted  in  the  ‘ Grapegrowers’  Circular  ’)  are  true,  the  Consuls 
live  in  Italy  with  closed  eyes.  I came  yesterday  from  a trip  in 
North  Italy,  and  I can  assure  you  that  alcoholism  is  making 
serious  progress  in  Italy,  Alcoholism,  through  the  wine,  is  a 


1-32 


prevalent  form.”  In  support  of  this  statement  Dr.  Hcrcocl 
quotes  from  a report  issued  by  three  disting'uished  medical  men, 
Dr.  Amaldi,  Director  of  the  Lunatic  .Asylum  of  Florence ; Dr. 
Seppili,  Director  of  the  Asylum  in  Brescia;  and  Dr.  Montesano, 
Director  of  the  .Asylum,  in  Ro.me.  The  report  states  that  a large 
proportion  ol  mental  diseases  which  are  found  in  Italy  are  the 
result  of  alcoholic  habit.  ” Out  of  23,292  admissions  of  men 
into  49  lunatic  asylums  during  the  years  1905  to  1907,  there  were 
3,332  alcoholic  psychosis,  or  14.2  per  cent.  In  26  of  these 
asylums  the  proportion  of  cases  due  exclusively  and  partially 
to  the  alcoholic  habit  (hereditary)  is  given  as  28.3  per  cent. 
The  Lancet,  the  leading  British  Medical  Journal,  for  September, 
1910,  contained  an  article  on  ‘‘  The  Problem  of  Drunkenness  in 
Italy,”  pointing  out  that  ” Italy  is  confronted  with  social 
problems  of  vast  and  bewildering  complexity,  to  wit,  ‘ how  to 
antagonise  and  ultimately  to  control  the  tendency  to  drunkenness, 
etc.  . . . Drunkenness  has  become  common  enough  to  lose 
much  of  tlte  disgrace  attached  to  it,  and  particularly  among  the 
youth.  . . . Take  any  journal  of  any  of  the  great  cities  referred 
to  and  note  the  frequency  with  which  the  ‘ teppisto  ’ (the  Italian 
equivalent  for  hooligan  or  apache)  contributes  to  the  ‘ cronaca 
nera  ’ or  police  report  during  the  week,  and  you  will  form  some 
notion  of  the  crime  encouraged  or  intensified  under  the  incenti%e 
of  strong  drink,  of  the  turbulence  imparted  by  it  into  the 
thoroughfare,  and  the  misery  which  darkens  the  domestic 
circle.  ” 

In  1907,  for  the  first  time  in  its  history,  the  Italian  Govern- 
ment w'as  officially  represented  at  the  International  Congress 
.Against  .Alcoholism,  w'hich  met  at  Stockholm,  Sweden.  Pro- 
fessor .Angelo  Pavone,  who  acted  as  the  representa- 
tive, collected  a large  amount  of  information  with  regard  to  the 
evils  of  alcoholism  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  which  doubtless 
proved  of  great  assistance  to  the  home  Government.  Italy  has 
since  been  officially  represented  at  each  of  the  .Anti-.AlcohoIic 
Congresses  in  London,  1909,  and  the  Hague,  1911,  and  officially 
received  the  Congress  at  Milan  in  1913.  In  1911,  for  the  first 
time  in  the  history  of  Italy,  the  liquor  question  w^as  raised  in 
the  Italian  Parliament.  The  consumption  of  wine  having  grown 
so  enormously,  and  the  effects  of  alcoholism  becoming  more  and 
more  apparent,  several  members  of  the  Labour  Party  addressed  an 
interpellation  to  the  Prime  Minister,  Signor  Luzzatti,  asking  him 
if  the  Government  did  not  intend  to  do  something  to  keep  back 
the  threatening  evils  of  alcoholism.  The  Premier,  who  is 
reported  to  be  an  ardent  social  reformer,  replied  that  he  was 


m 


making-  enquiries  throughout  the  land  in  reference  to  the  matter, 
and  upon  the  information  received  depended  the  action  of  the 
Government.  This  is  the  first  time  that  any  such  enquiry  has 
been  considereed  necessary,  but  by  the  admission  of  all  parties  in 
the  State,  alcoholism  has  laecome  a national  scourge  and  danger. 

Professor  Angelo  Pavone  kindly  forwarded  the  writer  the 
full  statistics  collected  from  each  of  the  Italian  Provinces,  to- 
gether with  the  report  of  the  Prime  Mintser,  to  be  presented  to 
the  Senate.  In  his  letter  accompanying  these  documents  Dr. 
Pavone  says  : — 

“ The  project  of  law  for  the  prevention  of  alcoholism  in 
“ Italy  contains  excellent  measures  which  are  considered  prac- 
“ tical  in  our  country,  and  are  expected  to  produce  a lot  of  good. 
“It  is  to  be  discussed  before  long,  by  our  Senate  and  by  our 
“ Parliament.  By  the  perusal  of  the  statistics  you  will  see  the 
“ ravages  caused  by  alcohol  in  Italy,  and  the  measures  which  we 
“ think  should  be  adopted  and  enforced  by  law  for  checking 
“ them  as  much  as  possible.” 

Signor  Luzzatti,  the  then  Prime  Minister,  in  presenting  the 
documents  to  the  Senate,  stated  that  the  evils  of  alcoholism  had 
not,  in  Italy,  attained  the  fearful  dimensions  reached  in  some 
other  countries,  but  the  proportions  were  sufficiently  alarming. 
Statistics  vividly  demonstrated  the  increase  of  the  consumption 
and  also  the  dire  effects.  The  growth  of  alcoholism  was  far 
beyond  the  ratio  of  the  augmentation  of  the  population. 


The  increase  in  the  number  of  fatalities  from  alcoholism  is 
seen  in  the  following  figures  : — 


Year. 

Population. 

Deaths. 

Deaths 
from  Alcohol. 

1887 

29,614,430 

828,992 

434 

1897 

31,716,318 

695,602 

...  504 

1907 

33.776,087 

700,333 

663 

1908 

34,129,290 

692,769 

...  897 

It  will  be  seen  that  by  improved  sanitation  the  total  number 
of  deaths  has  been  considerably  decreased,  but  the  death  roll 
from  alcoholism  has  more  than  doubled  itself. 


The  production  in  the  various  distilleries  of  ardent  spirits 
was  proved  to  be  increasing  alarmingly,  it  had  gone  up  from 
85,284  hectolitres  (22J  imp.  gallon.s)  in  i88q,  to  800,537  hecto- 
litres in  1909. 

The  Prime  Minister  proposed  that  in  future  no  new  licence 
should  be  granted  without  a favourable  vote  of  the  municipality, 
and  further  that  the  grant  must  be  confirmed  by  the  Prefect, 
otherwise  the  application  would  be  refused.  It  was  also  pro- 


134 


posed  to  establish  in  each  Province  a Technical  Commission, 
which  should  study  all  local  questions  connected  with  the  manu- 
lacture  of  articles  containing-  alcohol.  It  was  further  proposed 
to  prohibit  the  sale  of  drink  to  children  and  drunkards,  and  the 
payment  of  wages  where  drink  is  sold.  A special  section  rigidly 
prohibited  the  manufacture,  importation  and  sale  of  Absinthe 
(denominated  in  Italian  ‘ assenzio.  ”j  This  was  styled  by  the 
Prime  Minister  as  “ veleno  verde  ” (green  poisonj,  and  he 
strongly  commented  on  the  disasters  caused  by  the  vice  known 
as  “ absinthism.  ” 

Change  of  Government,  however,  prevented  this  programme 
from  being  carried  out.  In  1913  a Bill  passed  the  Chamber  of 
Deputies,  where  there  are  several  Temperance  friends,  especially 
among  the  Socialist  leaders — Signors  Bissolali,  'I'urati  and 
Zerboglia.  The  Bill  was  accepted  by  the  Senate,  but  its  pro- 
visions do  not  satisfy  the  Italian  teetotalers. 

About  ten  years  since  a Temperance  Society  was  formed  in 
.Milan,  and  a few  other  societies  sprung  into  existence  in  some 
of  the  smaller  towns  and  cities.  In  igo8  a united  gathering  of 
representatives  from  these  various  local  societies  was  held  at 
Milan,  at  which  it  was  determined  to  form  an  Italian  Temper- 
ance Federation  of  all  existing  societies,  under  the  title,  “ Fed- 
erazione  .-Xntialcoolista  Italiana.  ” The  formation  of  this  Fed- 
eration gave  a great  impulse  to  the  movement  and  has  resulted 
in  many  more  societies  being  formed  throughout  Italy.  The 
Italian  Temperance  leaders  have  brought  the  question  to  the 
notice  of  the  scientific  men  of  the  country,  and  some  notable 
utterances,  and  reports,  on  the  evils  of  alcohol,  have  been  the 
result.  Dr.  Arullani,  who  practices  in  one  of  the  wine  growing 
regions  of  Italy,  published  an  article,  in  the  Italian  Medical 
Journal,  in  igii,  concerning  the  predisposing  influence  of  alco- 
holism to  tuberculosis,  stating  that  the  inhabitants  of  his  region, 
drank  wine  almost  exclusively,  the  alcohol  contents  of  which 
ranged  from  13  to  15  per  cent.  Notwithstanding  the  pure  air, 
robust  constitutions  and  absence  of  poverty,  cirrhosis  of  the 
liver  and  all  forms  of  tuberculosis  are  remarkably  prevalent.  He 
declared  very  emphatically  that  from  his  observations  and  study, 
there  is  a very  close  connection  between  alcohol  and  tuberculosis. 
Other  scientists  of  Italy  are  making  similar  declarations  and 
warning  the  people  of  the  evil  results  of  drinking  alcohol. 

At  the  “ .Seventh  International  Congress  .■\gainst  Tuber- 
culosis,” held  in  Rome  in  igiz,  the  question  of  alcoholism  and 
tuberculosis  was  repeatedly  dwelt  upon  by  the  various  speakers. 
Professor  Tiberti,  of  Ferrara,  declared  that  : 


135 


“ There  is  a genuine  nexus  between  these  two  evils  so  fatal 
“ to  humanity.  Most  authorities  contend  that  alcohol  predis- 
“ poses  to  tuberculosis  in  a direct  fashion.  Statisticians  have 
“ shown  the  great  mortality  of  those  coming  into  direct  relations 
“ with  alcohol  (i.e.,  in  alcohol  trades).  Deductions  from  human 
“ pathology  point  in  the  same  direction.  Alcohol  has  shown  to 
“ have  deadly  action  on  the  organs  of  digestion,  circulation, 
“ respiration  and  on  the  nervous  system- — diminishing  the  nor- 
“ mal  powers  of  resistance  on  the  one  hand,  and  preparing  the 
“ ground  for  the  reception  of  tuberculosis.  Experimental  path- 
“ ology  further  indicates  a diminution  of  the  aptonic  index,  an 
“ unfavourable  action  on  the  production  of  anticrops,  a more 
“ highly  accentuated  negative  chemiotaxis  and  a probable 
“ diminution  of  the  alevines.  Further,  alcohol,  being  one  of  the 
“ principal  causes  of  extreme  poverty,  in  this  way  predisposes  to 
“ tuberculosis  more  than  any  other.  From  all  points  of  view 
“it  is  certain  that  we  ought  to  battle  again  alcoholism  with 
“ every  means  at  our  disposal  if  we  wish  to  set  a dike  against 
“ the  spread  of  tuberculosis.  To  fight  alcoholism  signifies  in 
“ the  last  analysis  to  fight  tuberculosis.’’ 

Professor  Ugo  Giusti,  Director  of  the  Municipal  Statistical 
Department  of  Florence,  presented  a very  valuable  report  to  the 
Rome  Congress,  showing  the  number  of  deaths  from  tubercu- 
losis according  to  trades  in  the  city  of  Florence.  The  results 
confirm  similar  statistics  in  other  countries.  The  drink-seller  can 
gather  from  these  striking  figures  that  he  has,  in  truth,  no  better 
friend  than  the  Prohibitionist  who  would  press  him  into  some 
other  more  decent  and  healthier  occupation. 


“ The  relative  number  of  deaths  to  the  10,000  deaths  in 
each  trade,  respectively,  are  for : — 


Soldiers  12.3 

Retired  Persons  20.0 

Tradesmen  24.5 

Railway  and  .Streetcar 

Men  25.3 

Professionalists  and  Ar- 
tists   32.2 

Workers  in  Food  Indus- 
tries   32.8 

Officials  33-5 

Navvies  38.8 


Ironworkers  39-4 


Chemical  Workers  ...  43.5 

Persons  in  Service 43-6 

Ip  Printing  Industries  44.4 

Textile  Workers  45.2 

Catholic  Clergy  45.3 

Woodworkers  47-^ 

Vagabonds  50.2 

In  Building  Trades  ...  52.9 

Fine  Mechanicians  ...  55.6 

Clothing  Trades  58.1 

Saloonkeepers,  etc.  ...  76.7 


“The  average  death  from  tuberculosis  in  Florence  1906- 
“ 1908  having  been  34.1  to  10,000  of  all  classes,  it  will  be  seen 
“ that  the  mortality  among  drink-sellers  is  more  than  double  the 
“ average,  and  six  times  that  of  the  most  favourably  situated 


“ class  reported  on.  Drink-shops  are  the  resorts  of  dirty  and 
“diseased  persons.  They  constitute  genuine  forcing  beds  for 
“ the  culture  of  pathological  germ-life.  But  more  than  this  not 
“ only  does  the  drink  consumed  by  the  drink-seller  predispose 
“ his  body  to  this  result.  It  is  indeed  possible  that  the  fumes  of 
“ alcohol  also  have  a distinct  pathological  action.  One  has  only 
“ to  remember  the  dead  or  mal-shaped  chickens  which  came  out 
“ of  Fere’s  eggs  when  they  were  placed  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
“ a still  and  subjected  to  the  chance  action  of  its  fumes.’’ 

Strong  efforts  are  being  put  forth  to  secure  Temperance 
teaching  in  the  public  schools,  and  something  in  this  direction 
has  already  been  accomplished.  In  Milan,  occasional  lessons 
are  given  to  the  upper  classes  in  connection  with  Hygiene  teach- 
ing, while  in  other  places  similar  instruction  is  also  being  gi^■en. 

Sig.  Ferriari,  Italian  Cabinet  Minister,  urges  that  the  anti- 
alcohol  education  of  children  in  the  schools  should  be  supple- 
mented and  illustrated  “ by  visits  to  prisons  and  insane  asylums 
where  madmen  vegetate  in  stupid  listlessness  or  move  furiously 
about  like  raging  beasts.’’  Children  should  be  shown  “the 
men  whose  abuse  of  alcohol  has  taken  away  the  blessing  of 
sanity  and  changed  them  into  unnatural  fathers,  bloody  crimi- 
nals, bestial  husbands — men  for  whom  we  can  only  desire 
death.’’  Such  tours  of  observation  should  be  under  the  guid- 
ance of  experienced  physicians  as  demonstrators.  “ visit  to 
a madhouse  would  be  worth  a hundred  lectures  on  alcoholism. 
It  is  needful  to  inspire  the  children  with  a horror  of  alcohol.’’ 

Monaco. — The  Principality  of  Monaco  and  Monte  Carlo, 
with  a resident  population  of  about  16,000,  and  an  area  of  not 
more  than  one-and-a-half  square  miles,  is  visited  every  year  by- 
over  1,250,000  people.  The  drinking  and  gambling  carried  on  in 
the  Casino  and  private  gambling  clubs  is  enormous,  and  is  a dis- 
grace to  our  twentieth  century  civilisation.  Something  should 
really  be  done  to  bring  the  whole  thing  to  an  end.  Every  year 
terrible  crimes  are  committed,  the  number  of  suicides  must  be 
very  great  indeed,  yet  men  and  women  of  high  standing  from  all 
nations  are  found  patronising  these  establishments,  and  even 
taking  part  in  the  demoralising  games  of  chance.  The  Inter- 
national Supreme  Lodge  of  Good  Templars,  at  its  meeting  in 
Washington,  U.S.A.,  in  1908,  and  again  at  its  meeting  in  Ham- 
burg, Germany,  in  1911,  entered  its  protest  against  the  state  of 
things  existing  at  Monte  Carlo.  Mr.  E.  N.  Bennett,  the  well- 
known  journalist,  in  an  article  published  in  Reynolds’  London 
Neivspaper,  April  13th,  1913,  says;  — 


“ Who  can  ever  forget  his  first  view  of  this  bright  and 
‘ exquisite  place — the  terraced  hillsides,  the  crumbling  sea  walls 
‘ of  Monaco,  the  palms,  the  vivid  flowers  in  the  full  sunshine? 

‘ Into  this  enchanted  zone  willing  victims  are  poured  daily  from 
‘ all  countries  of  the  world.” 

‘‘  The  trail  of  sordid  finance  is  thickly  spread  over  the  whole 
‘ place.  Money  is  poured  out  like  water  on  every  side,  without 
‘ the  faintest  attempt  to  disguise  the  selfish  waste. 

‘‘  At  the  Casino  gold  and  silver  coins  lose  their  normal 
‘ significance,  and  become  mere  counters  in  the  feverish  game. 
‘From  morning  to  midnight  the  tables  are  crowded.  All 
‘ through  the  bright  sunshine  men  and  women  sit  and  stand 
‘ in  an  atmosphere  artificially  overheated,  in  order,  it  is  said, 

' to  stimulate  the  gambling  instinct. 

‘‘The  sceptical  Julius  Cscsar  climbed  the  steps  of  the  Capi- 
‘ lol  on  hands  and  feet  to  avoid  the  jealous  wrath  of  the  gods, 

‘ and  here  in  Monte  Carlo  men  and  women  of  the  world,  abso- 
‘ lute  materialists  in  theory  and  practice,  are  influenced  by  the 
‘ most  childish  superstition.  If  a fly  happens  to  settle  on  the 
‘ board  dozens  of  coins  are  placed  on  the  number  selected  by 
‘ the  insect.  Even  the  local  clergy  are  indirectly  brought  in 
‘ to  ‘ serve  tables  ’ in  a Monte  Carlo  sense;  for  any  number  of 
‘ a hymn  under  thirty-six  is  accepted  by  the  congregation  as  a 
‘ lucky  number  for  the  afternoon’s  play.  People  gravely  seek 
‘ an  omen  from  the  added  figures  of  their  cloak-room  tickets, 
‘ and  two  casual  visitors,  a man  and  his  wife,  who  in  London 
‘ are  the  embodiment  of  common  sense,  talk  about  ‘ electric 
‘ currents  ’ between  the  tables  ! When  a young  woman  re- 
‘ cently  declared  to  her  lady  friend  that  she  intended  to  stake 
‘ on  the  number  of  her  age,  and  backed  twenty-two,  the  arrival 
‘ of  thirty-five  elicited  the  feline  remark,  coram  populo,  ‘ What 
‘a  pity,  Maud,  you  didn’t  stick  to  the  correct  number.’ 

‘‘  There  is  a grimmer  side  to  all  this  display  of  human 
frivolity  and  folly.  This  week  a young  and  pretty  woman  has 
‘ been  playing  heavily  at  trente  et  quarante.  Now  and  again 
‘ she  won  i,ooof.  or  so;  then  she  would  add  another  thousand 
‘ and  lose  the  lot.  As  she  won  she  gave  a little  gasp  of  relief, 
‘ as  she  lost,  she  clenched  her  hands  and  trembled.  Her  flushed 
‘ face  and  haggard  eyes  showed  only  too  plainly  her  poignant 
‘ distress. 

‘‘The  seamy  side  of  luxury  is  evident  enough  amid  the 
‘garish  display  of  Monte  Carlo’s  opulence.  The  whole  char- 
‘ acter  of  the  place  is  parasitic.  After  the  closing  of  the  Casino 
I at  midnight,  crowds  of  ‘ smart  ’ people  repair  to  the  so-called 
I Sporting  Club,’  where  they  eat,  drink,  and  play  till  four  or 
five  in  the  morning. 


1J8 


“ There  have  already  been  three  suicides  this  season.  One 
of  them  took  place  in  the  Casino  itself.  An  elderly  woman 
suddenly  rose  from  the  table  with  the  remark,  ‘ It  is  my  last 
coin,’  drew  a revolver  from  her  muff,  and  shot  herself  through 
the  head. 

“ Heavy,  indeed,  is  the  responsibility  of  those  who  for  love 
of  gain  have  made  this  fair  town  a veritable  plague  spot  in 
the  civilisation  of  Europe.  Amid  all  the  amenities  of  moun- 
tain, sea,  and  climate,  Monte  Carlo  is  still  a crying  reproach 
among  the  nations.” 


CHAPTER  XII 


The  Balkan  States,  Montenegro,  Roumania, 
and  Greece 

“ The  popular  impression  as  to  the  harmlessness  of  alcohol  in  moderate 
quantities  is  erroneous.  It  is  shown  by  scientists  that  the  white  corpuscles, 
the  natural  defenders,  are  weakened  by  its  use.  The  alcohol  is  more 
susceptible  to  the  infectious  diseases  because  of  a lowered  resistance.  There 
is  hardly  a disease  to  which  it  is  not  a contributory  factor — nephritis, 
arterio-sclerosis,  cirrhosis  of  the  liver  and  many  others,  besides  all  the 
possibilities  of  transmission  to  the  offspring  of  various  insanities  and  mental 
afflictions. G.  M.  Linthicum,  Professor  of  Physiology  ( 1910 ). 


It  is  greatly  to  be  feared  that  the  terrible  war  between  the 
Balkan  States,  Greece  and  Turkey,  which  has  now  happily 
ended,  will  have  greatly  diminished  the  efforts  lor  total  absti- 
nence and  prohibitory  legislation,  which  was  springing  into 
existence  in  some  of  these  countries.  W'ar  is  the  enemy  of  all 
such  movements.  A very  remarkable  manifesto  has  been  issued 
by  the  abstaining  socialists  in  Switzerland  to  their  comrades  in 
Greece  and  the  Balkans,  in  which  they  say  ; 

“ Comrades,  we  protest  against  war.  We  protest  against 
“ the  senseless  expenditure  of  human  life  and  popular  resources. 
“ But,  forget  not,  comrades,  to  protest  against  another  mass- 
“ murdering  agency,  not  less  horrible  than  that  of  the  Balkan 
“ battle-fields. 

“ Comrades,  forget  not  to  protest  against  the  murderer 
“ alcohol.  Every  tenth  man  dies  directly  from  it.  More  surely 
“ than  shapnel  or  machine-gun  it  decimates  our  ranks,  if  less 
“ apparently,  none  the  less  terribly.  It  stimulates  to  the  most 
“unspeakable  barbarism  and  violence;  men  are  made  cripples, 
“ women  abused,  children  neglected  and  corrupted  through  it. 

“ Will  you  protest  only  against  the  great  powers  of  destruc- 
“ tion,  at  which,  for  the  present,  you  can  but  hurl  your  scorn 
“and  hatred?  Why  not  rise  against  a power,  whose  fearful 
“ operations  are  comparable  to  a war— against  a power  which 
“ you  are  able  now,  at  this  moment,  to  effectively  injure?  Why 
“ not  lift  your  arm  against  alcohol,  the  destroyer  of  your  happi- 
“ ness,  the  ally  of  your  enemies,  the  enemy  of  your  own  efforts, 
“ and  the  pitiless  torturer  of  your  women  and  children. 


140 


“ Comrades,  we  call  on  you  in  the  name  of  solidarity  and 
“justice  to  take  up  the  fight  against  alcohol.  Protest  against 
this  destroyer  of  human  happiness,  by  cutting  loose  from  it. 
Long  live  the  proletariat  that  is  in  earnest  with  its  ideals 
“ which  demands  not  only  a new  life,  but  which  knows  how  to 
“ evolve  from  itself  new  powers  and  forms  of  life.’’ 

Bulgaria.- — The  European  correspondent  of  The  National 
Advocate,  of  New  York,  to  whom  the  writer  is  greatly  indebted 
for  much  useful  information,  says: — “The  beer  press,  wdth  its 
customary  cleverness,  is  attributing  the  defeat  of  the  Turks  to 
their  abstinence  from  alcohol.  As  a matter  of  fact,  their  Bul- 
garian conquerors  are  almost  as  little  alcohol-contaminated  as 
the  Turks  themselves.  In  1906  the  consumption  of  alcohol  per 
capita  in  Bavaria  was  17.2.3  litres.  In  Bulgaria  it  was  only  z.j 
litres.  The  spirits-consumption  of  Germany,  as  a whole,  was  in 
the  same  year  more  than  eight  times  that  of  Bulgaria  per  capita. 
Bulgaria  suffered  for  centuries  from  Mohammedan  rule,  but 
there  fell  to  it  one  compensating  blessing  from  this  source. 
AVhile  the  Northern  Slavs  of  Russia  and  .Austria  have  gone 
through  a progressive  alcoholisation  during  the  last  century,  the 
Balkan  Slavs  have  been  largely  protected  from  it  through  their 
contact  with  Islam.  Coffee  takes  the  plaee  of  vodka,  and  it  is 
not  improbable  that  this  fine  vigorous  stock  will  never  suffer 
the  deterioration  which  has  come  to  other  lands  from  alcohol.’’ 

Reporting  on  the  Bulgarian  Exhibit  at  the  great  .American 
Exhibition,  held  in  Boston,  Mass.,  in  1911,  Miss  Stoddard  says  : 

“ Much  might  have  been  shown  of  the  vigorous  efforts  put 
“ forth  by  Christian  missionaries  to  stay  the  tide  of  evil  that  the 
“liquor  traders  of  Christian  nations  pour  in  upon  the  people  or 
“ to  counteract  native  drinking  habits.  A diagram  illustrating 
“ the  educational  work  started  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Clarke,  shows 
“ how  far  one  person  can  throw  his  influence.  Crimson  circles 
“ with  connecting  lines  show  how  he  has  reached  and  interested 
“ the  Queen  of  Bulgaria,  the  Minister  of  Education,  and  the 
“ Minister  of  Home  .Affairs,  and  through  them  the  pupils  in 
“ 2,800  common  schools,  Bulgarian  schools  in  Turkey  and  else- 
“ where.  The  Exarch  of  the  Greek  Church,  Bulgarian  agents, 
“ co-operate  in  planning  for  the  distribution  of  the  literature. 
“ Temperance  material  has  been  published  in  the  mission  paper, 
“ a medical  paper,  and  a paper  for  priests.  It  has  gone  to  the 
“ members  of  the  National  .Assembly  to  over  200  newspapers 
“to  nearly  1,500  persons  outside  of  the  schools.  .Altogether 
“ in  seven  years  5,100,000  pages  of  this  Bulgarian  Temperance 
“literature  have  been  prepared  and  distributed  among  the  Bul- 
“ garians.  ’’ 


141 


In  connection  with  this  exhibition  vve  are  told  “ The  solemn 
responsibility  of  the  Church  at  home  for  the  evil  which  drink  is 
doing  to  the  non-Christian  people  appears  in  a final  painting. 
At  the  left  is  a mosque  and  beneath  it  the  words  of  Mohammed  ; 
“ Let  the  faithful  avoid  intoxicants.”  At  the  right  is  a temple, 
and  beneath  is  the  words  of  Buddha  ; ” Thou  shalt  not  drink 
strong  drink.”  The  two  typify  the  great  religions  which  have 
enjoined  abstinence  upon  their  people.  In  the  centre  stands  a 
Christian  Church.  Beneath  all  three  run  these  words  : ‘‘  Shall 
the  Christian  Church  continue  to  allow  Christian  nations  to 
undermine  the  total  abstinence  principles  of  the  Orientals  en- 
joined by  their  religion.” 

The  ex-Mayor  of  Philippopolis,  M.  Video  Shopoff,  has  be- 
come the  president  of  the  Federation  of  Bulgarian  Temperance 
Societies,  and  at  a General  Congress  held  just  before  the  out- 
break of  war  with  Turkey,  gave  a most  encouraging  report  of 
the  progress  of  the  movement  in  Bulgaria.  M.  Shopoff  is 
reported  to  be  one  of  the  most  travelled  and  enlightened  of 
Bulgarians.  He  was  at  the  head  of  the  Commissioners  at  the 
great  World’s  Fair  at  Chicago,  in  1893,  and  has  taken  a leading 
part  in  all  movements  for  the  uplift  of  his  fellow  countrymen. 
His  leadership  in  the  Temperance  cause  is  a great  asset  for  the 
movement. 

In  1912  an  Official  Commission  was  appointed  to  study  the 
alcohol  question  and  report  suggested  legislation  to  deal  with 
the  evil.  The  National  Assembly  is  expected  to  have  this  report 
before  them  at  an  early  date. 

Montenegro. — This  is  a very  small  State,  with  only  about 
500,000  inhabitants.  It  was  formerly  a province  of  the  Servian 
Empire,  but  secured  its  independence  as  long  ago  as  1389,  and 
for  over  six  hundred  years  it  successfully  kept  the  Turks  at  bay. 
It  was  not,  however,  until  1910,  when  it  celebrated  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  the  accession  of  Nicholas  I.,  that  the  National 
Parliament  (Skupshtina)  proclaimed  the  country  a kingdom. 
The  Legislature  consists  of  a single  Chamber  (The  Skupshtina.) 
There  are  62  members  elected  for  four  years,  on  a universal  suf- 
frage. Reports  state  that  the  people  are  sober  and  virtuous. 
The  Encyclopeadia  Britannica  says  : — ‘‘  Chastity  is  a national 
virtue,  and  in  time  of  war  the  women  and  children  of  the  Turks 
have  often  found  their  safest  asylum  among  their  hereditary 
foes.”  A strong  testimony  to  their  sobriety.  A few  Good  Tem- 
plar Lodges  of  the  Neutral  Order  have  recently  been  established. 

Rumania. — For  some  years  there  has  been  a fairly  energetic 
Temperance  crusade  carried  on  throughout  Rumania,  The 


142 


Liga  NaLionala  de  Temperantta,  and  the  Order  of  Good  Tem- 
plars, have  done  much  propaganda  work.  The  recent  formation 
of  a Grand  Lodge  of  the  Good  Templars  will  no  doubt  strengthen 
and  consolidate  the  movement  to  a great  extent.  In  1907  the 
Government  of  Rumania,  pressed  to  do  something  to  prevent 
the  spread  of  alcoholism,  proposed  a new  law  with  the  view  of 
“ Putting  a stop  to  drunkenness.”  The  new  licensing  system 
was  to  have  been  of  a most  drastic  character.  No  drink  was  to 
be  sold  on  credit.  All  gambling  was  to  be  strictly  prohibited. 
No  person  under  16  years  of  age  was  to  be  supplied  with  spiritu- 
ous liquors,  drunkenness  was  to  be  punished  by  very  severe 
penalties,  and  incorrigible  drunkards  were  to  have  their  names 
placed  on  a list  to  be  called  the  ‘‘  Drunkards’  Roll,”  which  list 
was  to  be  posted  in  the  public  room  of  the  commune.  .A.11  such 
persons  were  to  be  prohibited  from  entering  a liquor  saloon.  The 
number  of  saloons  were  to  be  reduced  to  one  for  every  750 
people.  All  these  proposals,  together  with  a number  of  others, 
received  the  hearty  support  of  the  Temperance  organisations. 
The  Government,  however,  proposed  to  make  a State  monopoly 
of  the  retail  liquor  traffic.  The  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  and 
the  right  of  opening  saloons  was  reserv'ed  exclusively  to  the 
communal  authorities.  The  committee  of  management  to  con- 
sist of  the  Mayor,  the  schoolmaster,  and  the  most  notable  mem- 
bers of  the  communal  council.  .■Ml  profits  to  become  part  of  the 
ordinary  income  of  the  community.  The  law,  however,  failed 
to  pass. 

In  1908  the  Government  made  another  attempt  to  pass 
legislation,  and  was  this  time  successful.  The  new  law  was 
” rushed  through  Parliament  with  lightning  speed.”  Long  be- 
fore the  people  had  heard  of  the  proposal,  the  bill  was  law. 
There  are  many  good  points  in  the  new  law,  but  the  state  mono- 
poly is  working  very  detrimentally  to  the  people’s  interest  and 
sobriety.  The  good  points  in  the  law  are  that  only  one  liquor 
saloon  is  permitted  to  every  250  of  the  householders;  no  liquor 
can  be  sold  on  credit,  nor  in  exchange  for  farm  produce ; nor  to 
any  person  under  16  years  of  age.  Gambling,  which  was  very 
common  in  connection  with  liquor  saloons,  was  strictly  prohi- 
bited. The  new  law  was  passed  on  May  ist,  1908,  and  the  liquor 
sellers  were  given  until  September  ist  to  clear  out  their  stock, 
and  on  that  date  all  liquor  not  sold  or  destroyed,  was  confiscated. 
The  new  law  closed  up  thousands  of  liquor  places  throughout 
the  country.  Mr.  Otto  Kestler  states  ; — 

” None  of  the  proposals  mean  any  great  step  in  the  right 
‘‘  direction,  on  our  way,  although  they  have  made  people  write 
‘‘  and  talk  a lot  about  alcohol  and  the  monopoly.  Ry  this  we 


14o 


“ have  a chance  ol  bringing  total  abstinence  and  Prohibition, 

“ together  with  Good  Templary,  up  for  discussion.  As  a matter 
“ of  fact  the  movement  in  Rumania  is  only  just  beginning,  and 
“ we  must  avail  ourselves  of  all  the  opportunities  to  further 
“ our  principles.  ” 

The  number  of  total  abstainers  in  Rumania  is  not  reported, 
but  the  Good  Templars  are  stated  to  number  about  i,ooo. 

Servia. — The  movement  has  obtained  a considerable  hold 
upon  the  people  of  Servia.  Under  the  special  patronage  of  the 
King,  the  Neutral  Order  of  Good  Templars  has  made  consider- 
able headway,  not  only  among  the  adults,  but  especially  among 
the  children  ; about  3,000  young  people  have  been  enrolled  in 
the  Juvenile  Lodges.  Dr.  Danitsch,  a leading  citizen  of  Bel- 
grade, is  leading  the  fight  with  much  vigour  and  determination. 

In  May,  1912,  a great  Congress  of  the  young  people,  mem- 
bers of  the  Good  Templar  Order,  was  held  at  Kragouyeratz,  in 
Servia,  when  over  2,000  young  men  and  women  attended  as  rep- 
resentatives from  the  various  Lodges  throughout  the  country. 
Delegates  also  attended  from  Bosnia.  Herzegovina,  Old  Servia, 
Montenegro  and  Croatia.  The  reports  showed  that  there  were 
seventy  young  people’s  Lodges  in  Servian  schools,  gymnasia 
and  colleges,  and  twenty  others  among  Serbs  outside  Servia. 
Alexander,  the  Crown  Prince  of  Servia,  was  the  honorary  Presi- 
dent of  the  Congress,  and  presented  it  with  a very  fine  banner. 
The  active  President  was  Dr.  Popovitch,  a leading  physician, 
and  the  Secretary  was  M.  Arangalovitch,  a L^niversity  student. 
The  Minister  of  Public  Works  gave  free  passes  over  the  railways 
to  all  participants  in  the  Congress,  which  doubtless  helped  to 
swell  the  attendance  of  the  members  and  representatives.  The 
patronage  of  Royalty  and  the  support  of  the  Government  have 
raised  a considerable  amount  of  enthusiasm  for  the  cause,  and 
numbers  of  young  people  are  being  enrolled.  There  is  every 
hope  that  the  war  will  not  altogether  have  destroyed  the  good 
work. 

Professor  Beritch  Mladen,  of  the  University  of  Belgrade, 
gave  the  following  address  at  the  International  Union  of  Ab- 
staining Teachers,  at  the  Hague,  igii  : — 

“ Ours  is  a little  land  but  we  bring  warm  greetings.  We 
“ are  here  to  learn.  We  commenced  our  work  in  Servia  four 
“ years  ago,  with  a Lodge  of  the  Order  of  Good  Templars 
“ (Neuter)  and  we  have  now  a Lodge  of  Professors  and  Teachers 
“of  64  members.  We  have  been  helped  by  the  ‘ Loge  des 
“ Etudiants  ’ and  ‘La  Societe  des  Medecins  Abstinents.  ’ We 
“ have  53  children’s  societies  (Societies  de  la  Jeunesse).  The 


144 


“ Minister  of  Public  Instruction  has  allowed  us  to  have  a Con- 
“ ference  and  has  told  us  to  make  suggestions  for  placing 
“ articles  against  alcohol  in  place  of  articles  for  alcohol  in  our 
“ school  books,  and  we  trust  that  this  change  will  soon  be 
“ made.” 

Greece. — For  about  fifteen  centuries,  the  whole  of  the  ter- 
ritory now  known  as  Greece,  was  under  the  rule  of  Turkey.  The 
w'ar  of  independence  of  1821 — 1829  resulted  in  an  independent 
monarchy  being  established.  The  present  constitution  is  ba.sed 
upon  the  laws  of  1864  and  1911.  The  legislature  consists  of  a 
single  Chamber  of  177  members  elected  for  four  years  by  all 
males  over  21  years  of  age.  To  secure  the  passage  of  any  new 
law,  one-third  of  the  members  must  be  in  attendance  and  the  law 
supported  by  a clear  majority. 

The  Encyclopedia  Britannica,  in  a description  of  the  modern 
Greeks,  says  : — 

‘‘  They  are  courteous  and  very  sunny  in  disposition,  and  en- 
” tirely  strangers  to  melancholy,  so  that  both  suicide  and  in- 
‘‘  sanit}’  are  unknown  among  them.  They  are  the  most  temper- 
‘‘  ate  of  Christian  nations,  and  the  chastest.  Though  they  make 
‘‘a  good  deal  of  strong  wine,  they  drink  little,  and  they  eat 
” as  sparingly  as  they  drink.  The  common  people  live  on  one 
‘‘  meal  a da}^  and  the  richer  on  two,  and  an  English  labourer 
‘‘  will  consume  at  one  meal  what  would  serve  a Greek  family  of 
” six  for  the  day.  little  maize  and  vegetables  steeped  in  oil 
“ make  the  staple  fare.  Two  striking  characteristics  of  the 
‘‘  Greeks  are  their  patriotism,  and  their  love  not  only  of  liberty, 
‘‘  but  especially  of  equality.  They  are  in  spirit  the  most  demo- 
” cratic  European  nation.  There  are  two  other  qualities  in 
‘‘  which  the  Greeks  are  strong,  and  which,  though  they  are  often 
‘‘  abused,  are  yet  main  agents  in  human  advancement — ambi- 
‘‘  tion  and  the  love  of  money.  These  have  given  a stimulus  to 
‘‘their  commerce,  and  made  them  thrift}’  and  saving.” 


PART  IV 

ASIA 


I 


1 

I 


CHAPTER  1 


Arabia,  Palestine,  Persia,  Syria,  and 
Turkey 

“ Woe  unto  them  that  rise  early  in  the  morning-,  that  they  may  follow 
strong-  drink  ; that  continue  until  night,  till  wine  inflame  them.  And  the  harp, 
and  the  viol,  the  tabret  and  pipe,  and  wine,  are  in  their  feasts  ; but  they 
regard  not  the  work  of  the  Lord,  neither  consider  the  operations  of  his 
hands.  Therefore  my  people  are  gone  into  captivity  ; because  they  have 
not  knowledge  ; and  their  honoured  men  are  famished,  and  their  multitudes 
dried  up  with  thirst.  Therefore  Hell  hath  enlarged  herself,  and  opened  her 
mouth  without  measure  ; and  their  glory  and  their  multitude,  and  their 
pomp,  and  he  that  rejoiceth  shall  descend  into  it.” 

Isaiah  v.,  11-13. 


The  welcome  development  of  European  and  American  com- 
merce in  Asia  has  unfortunately  led  to  the  introduction  of  spirits, 
beer,  and  wine  among  a people  who  for  centuries  have  known 
little  or  nothing  of  the  evils  of  intoxicating  liquors.  Edicts  are 
repeatedly  being  issued  by  the  religious  leaders,  and  in  some  few 
places  the  Good  Templar  Order,  W.C.T.  U.,  and  other  Temper- 
ance organisations  have  been  established  to  combat  the  grow- 
ing evil.  In  all  these  countries  the  liquor  traffic  is  greatly  re- 
stricted, but  at  all  the  ports  along  the  sea-board  a large  quantity 
of  liquor  is  imported,  which  owing  to  the  more  modern  systems 
of  communication  is  finding  its  way  more  and  more  into  the  in- 
terior. In  Palestine  the  Good  Templars  and  the  Temperance 
women  have  petitioned  the  Sultan  to  prohibit  the  importation  of 
all  intoxicants,  and  in  Arabia,  Persia,  Syria  and  Turkey,  efforts 
are  being  put  forth  to  secure  increased  force  against  the  importa- 
tion of  European  spirits. 

Arabia. ^ — Arabia  had  a population  in  igio  of  about 
5,000,000,  of  which  3,500,000  were  under  Turkish  rule,  50,000 
under  British  rule,  and  the  remainder  independent.  The  bulk  of 
the  people  are  Mahometan  in  religion,  the  large  majority  of  whom 
thoroughly  carry  out  their  religious  vows  not  to  drink  intoxi- 
cating liquors.  The  people  are  largely  given  to  hospitality  and 
visitors  are  always  welcomed  among  them.  The  “ Encyclopaedia 
Britannica  ” says  : — 

“ Coffee,  without  milk  or  sugar,  but  flavoured  with  an  aro- 
“ matic  seed  brought  from  India,  is  served  to  all.  This,  too,  is 
“ done  on  the  occasion  of  a first  welcome,  when  the  cups  often 


148 


“make  two  or  three  successive  rounds;  but,  In  fact,  coffee  is 
“ made  and  drunk  at  all  times,  as  frequently  as  the  desire  for  it 
“may  suggest  itself;  and  each  time  fresh  grains  are  sifted, 

“ roasted,  pounded,  and  boiled — a very  laborious  process,  and 
“ one  that  requires  in  the  better  sort  of  establishments  a special 
“ servant  or  slave  for  the  work.  Arabs  in  general  make  only 
“ one  solid  meal  a day — that  of  supper,  soon  after  sunset;  nor 
“ even  then  do  they  eat  much,  gluttony  being  rare  among  them, 

“ and  even  daintiness  esteemed  disgraceful.  Wine,  like  other 
“ fermented  drinks,  is  prohibited  by  the  Koran,  and  is,  in  fact, 

“ very  rarely  to  be  met  with,  though  the  inhabitants  of  the  moun- 
“ tains  of  Oman  are  said  to  indulge  in  it.  On  the  coasts  spirits 
“of  the  worst  quality  are  sometimes  procured;  opium  and 
“ hasheesh  have  also  few  votaries  in  Arabia.” 

“ The  literature,  arts,  and  sciences  of  the  Arabs  formed  the 
“ connecting  link  between  the  civilisations  of  ancient  and  modern 
“ times  ; and  the  culture  which  they  introduced  into  the  countries 
“ they  conquered  has  in  almost  every  instance  outlasted  the  rule 
“ of  the  conquerors  themselves.  To  them,  directly  and  indirectly, 

“ we  owe  the  revival  of  learning  and  philosophy  in  Western 
“ Europe,  and  the  first  awakening  of  the  critical  and  inquiring 
“ spirit  that  has  in  great  measure  rescued  Europe  from  the 
“lethargy  of  monkish  ignorance  and  ecclesiastical  bigotr}' ; to 
“ them  also,  at  least  indirectly  and  by  deduction,  are  due  most 
“ of  the  useful  arts  and  practical  inventions  laboriously  perfected 
“ by  later  nations.  Widespread  as  was  the  empire  of  the  Arab 
“ sword,  it  has  been  less  extended  and  less  durable  than  the 
“ empire  of  the  Arab  mind.” 

Palestine. — When  .‘\Iderman  Joseph  Malins  was  on  his 
world  tour,  as  International  Chief  Templar  of  the  Good  Templar 
Order,  he  visited  Palestine  and  planted  a Lodge  among  its  inhabi- 
tants. Since  then  another  Lodge  has  been  opened  at  Jaffa,  both 
are  reported  to  be  doing  good  work  among  the  native  and  foreign 
populations.  In  1911,  the  Good  Templars,  assisted  by  the  other 
Temperance  organisations,  and  some  of  the  missionaries,  organ- 
ised a petition  in  favour  of  the  liquor  saloons  in  Jerusalem  being 
abolished.  The  petition  was  translated  into  nine  different  lan- 
guages, and  was  largely  signed.  The  petition  was  presented  to 
the  Pasha,  for  transmission  to  the  Sultan.  Things  move  exces- 
sively slowly  under  Turkish  rule,  so  that  it  may  be  some  time  be- 
fore a reply  will  be  received  to  the  petition.  In  the  meantime 
much  propaganda  work  is  proceeding.  The  local  Good  Templars 
at  a recent  meeting  considered  the  question  of  the  entire  prohibi- 
tion of  the  liquor  traffic,  and  determined  to  do  their  utmost  to 
secure  the  benefits  of  a countni’  free  from  the  curse  of  alcohol  at 
the  earliest  possible  moment. 


149 


The  country  is  under  Turkish  rule,  the  Government  at  Con- 
stantinople appointing  the  Pashas  and  other  authorities,  although 
the  inhabitants  have  a considerable  amount  of  local  control.  They 
choose  their  own  village  sheiks,  who  derive  most  of  their  author- 
ity and  power  from  the  reputation  of  their  virtues,  bravery  and 
liberality.  The  population  in  1910  was  stated  to  be  about  700,000, 
of  which  about  150,000  were  Jews,  the  remainder  being  princi- 
pally Mohammedans  and  largely  total  abstainers.  A very  little 
amount  of  intoxicating  liquors  ever  finds  its  way  into  the  villages. 

Peksi.4. — The  people  of  Ancient  Persia  were  well  known  for 
their  simplicity  of  manners  and  the  purity  of  their  morals.  The 
first  condition  of  national  prosperity  was  understood  and  realised. 
They  were  universally  educated  and  trained  in  habits  of  sobriety. 
Herodotus,  the  oldest  Greek  historian,  tells  us  that  “ ITie  early 
Persians  were  strangers  to  the  taste  of  wine,  they  drank  water 
only.”  From  Persian  history  we  learn  that  the  discovery  of 
fermentation  is  attributed  to  Jemsheed,  a monarch  who  lived  soon 
after  the  Flood.  It  is  stated  that  he  was  very  fond  of  grapes, 
and  on  one  occasion  put  some  away  in  a jar  for  future  u.se.  When 
next  he  wanted  them,  instead  of  the  luscious  fruit,  he  found 
wine;  so  pleased  was  he  with  the  taste  that  he  called  the  wine, 
” the  elixir  of  life,”  and  he  had  a special  cup  made,  carved  out 
of  ruby,  to  drink  from.  In  the  course  of  time  the  ” elixir  of  life  ” 
became  the  elixir  of  death,  for  the  people  of  Persia  forgot  the 
principles  of  sobriety  which  had  exalted  them  among  nations  and 
eventually  the  corrupting  influence  of  alcohol  destroyed  their 
power  and  glory,  as  it  has  destroyed  that  of  so  many  others. 

For  centuries  the  Persians  have  shown  a fondness  for 
alcohol,  the  grapes  they  grow  are  largely  turned  into  wine,  al- 
though Mahomet,  whom  they  profess  to  serve,  forbids  both  its 
manufacture  and  use.  There  is  also  a large  traffic  in  Opium  ; 
though  it  is  stated  that  v^ery  little  of  the  drug  is  used  by  the  people 
themselves,  thousands  of  cases  are  exported  to  China,  Hong 
Kong  and  other  countries.  The  present  population  may  be  div- 
ided into  two  classes — those  who  inhabit  the  towns,  and  those 
who  live  in  tents.  The  former  number  about  7,000,000  and  the 
latter  about  3,000,000.  Willis,  in  his  ” Land  of  the  Lion  .and 
Sun,”  says  : — 

” The  character  of  the  Persian  is  that  of  an  easy-going  man 
” with  a wish  to  make  things  pleasant  generally.  He  is  hos- 
‘‘  pitable,  obliging,  and  specially  well  disposed  to  the  foreigner. 
“ his  home  virtues  are  many;  he  is  very  kind  and  indulgent  to 
‘‘his  children,  and,  as  a son,  his  respect  for  both  parents  is 
‘‘  excessive.” 


ISO 


Tea  is  used  as  the  common  form  of  hospitality.  The 
modern  liquor  interest  of  Europe  has  introduced  the  most  deadly 
and  poisonous  liquor  among'  these  people,  and  our  reports  state 
fearful  havoc  is  the  consequence. 

Ihe  (lovernment  of  Persia  is  nominally  under  His  Majesty 
The  Shah,  and  a National  Legislature  (MejlissJ  consisting  of  a 
Senate  with  6o  members,  half  appointed  and  half  elected,  and  a 
Council  with  156  members,  elected  for  two  years.  The  continual 
friction  between  Great  Britain,  Russia,  Turkey  and  the  Indian 
Governments  over  the  internal,  commercial  and  political  interests 
of  this  great  nation,  has  blotted  out  a large  amount  of  national 
independence,  so  that  the  moral  and  physical  needs  of  the  people 
have  been  most  shamefully  neglected. 

Syria. — Assyria,  now  abbreviated  to  Syria,  w'as  once  a king- 
dom of  great  celebrity  and  power,  covering  a vast  area  and  com- 
prising the  people  of  many  differing  nationalities,  at  one  time 
embracing  Media,  Babylonia,  Iran,  .•\sia  Minor,  etc.  For  hun- 
dreds of  years  its  people  were  noted  for  their  .sobriety  and  prow- 
ess. A very  warlike  nation,  they  conquered  tribe  after  tribe, 
engrafting  upon  those  subdued  their  habits  of  Temperance  and 
simple  living.  Success  brought  luxury  and  drunkenness.  The 
King  and  his  chief  officers  of  State  engaging  in  scenes  of  dis- 
graceful debauchery.  The  evil  spread  through  all  the  land, 
destroying,  in  time,  the  strength  and  power  of  the  people.  The 
nations  which  had  been  conquered  rose  in  rebellion,  and  secured 
their  freedom  and  independence.  The  teaching  of  Mohammedan- 
ism has  largely  changed  the  habits  of  the  people,  so  that  to-day 
those  remaining  of  this  once  great  nation,  are  mostly  total 
abstainers. 

Madam  Barakut,  in  the  autumn  of  1910,  opened  a total  ab- 
stinence mission  in  Syria,  on  behalf  of  the  W.W.C.T.U.  .At  the 
close  of  a large  gathering  at  Abeih  she  had  an  interview  with  the 
Governor-General,  Yuseth  Pasha  Kasah,  and  urged  him  to  put 
down  the  drinking  of  arrack,  which  has  been  doing  much  damage 
among  the  people.  The  Maronite  Bishop  who  was  present 
assured  her  of  his  sympathy.  .Among  others  who  have  promised 
to  support  the  efforts  to  spread  the  Temperance  movement  among 
the  people,  are  Slamin  Effendi  Basteny  (the  Bayrout  representa- 
tive in  the  Turkish  Parliament),  and  Joseph  Viah  Bey.  The  fact 
that  the  Mohammedan  religion  enjoins  total  abstinence,  makes 
it  very  difficult  for  any  other  kind  of  Temperance  effort  to  be  put 
forward.  The  Christians  are  however,  an  important  element,  con- 
stituting probably  as  much  as  a fifth  of  the  whole  population, 
so  that  there  is  plenty  of  scope  for  Temperance  apart  from  the 
Mohammedans. 


The  Government  of  Syria  and  Mesopotamia  is  in  the  hands 
ot  the  Turks,  who  appoint  the  Pashas,  Governor-Generais,  Dis- 
trict-Governors, and  Mayors.  The  population  of  Syria  and  Meso- 
potamia (in  1910}  was  about  5,000,000,  the  great  bulk  of  whom 
were  total  abstainers. 

Turkey. — The  rise  of  the  Ottoman  Empire  in  the  13th  cen- 
tury was  largely  due  to  the  strict  abstinence  of  the  small  Turkish 
tribe,  which  had  its  home  in  Central  Asia.  The  decline  of  their 
power,  at  least  so  far  as  Europe  is  concerned,  is  largely  due  to 
their  methods  of  treating  those  who'  have  come  under  their  power. 
Turkey  is  essentially  a theocratic  absolute  monarchy.  The 
Sultan  is  not  only  the  head  of  the  State  but  is  the  recognised  head 
of  the  Moslems  throughout  the  world.  Internal  political  differ- 
ences have  led  to  many  changes,  but  the  intensely  conservative 
and  exclusive  spirit  shown  by  the  authorities,  has  been  a great 
and  almost  impassable  obstacle  to  any  reform. 

The  fact  that  the  Turkish  soldier  was  a total  abstainer  has 
not  detracted  from  his  ability  to  carry  arms,  for  he  is  counted 
one  of  the  most  formidable  fighters  in  the  world.  One  of  the 
greatest  feats  recorded  in  history  is  that  of  the  defence  of  Kars, 
during  the  Crimean  war  in  1854.  The  Russsians  made  a most 
determined  attack  but  they  were  unsuccessful.  Sir  Fenwick 
Williams,  who  commanded  the  united  forces  in  the  defence,  de- 
clared ; — 

“ Had  not  the  Turkish  army  at  Kars  been  literally  a cold 
“ water  army  1 am  persuaded  they  never  would  have  performed 
“ the  achievement  that  crowned  them  with  glory.” 

The  Turks  captured  Constantinople  in  1453,  in  which  city 
they  have  since  had  their  seat  of  Government.  In  1876  a popular 
rising  secured  a constitution  and  a representative  assembly,  but 
this  was  withdrawn  the  following  year.  In  igo8  another  revolu- 
tion broke  out  and  successfuly  restored  the  constitution  of  1876. 
The  Legislature  consists  of  two  Houses.  The  members  of  the 
Senate  are  appointed  by  the  Sultan,  and  the  Chamber  of  Deputies, 
which  contains  280  members,  are  elected  by  delegates,  chosen 
for  that  purpose  by  the  people  who  are  registered  as  voters. 


CHAPTER  ]I 


China 


“ Opium  has  been  a great  curse  to  China.  It  has  destroyed  more  of 
our  people  than  tear,  pestilence,  or  famine-  Under  a Republican  form  of 
g-ovemment  it  is  our  earnest  desire  to  thoroughly  stamp  out  this  evil,  and  to 
complete  the  trork  that  has  already  been  done  in  the  Opium  reform.  Re- 
membering with  grateful  appreciation  what  Great  Britain  has  done  for  me 
and  my  country  in  the  past,  I appeal  for  further  help  to  stop  this  sinful 
traffic  now  at  the  beginning  of  our  new  national  life.  \Ve  ask  in  the  name 
of  Humanitt",  and  in  the  name  of  Righteousnes.  the  right  to  prohibit,  within 
our  own  land,  the  sale  of  this  fearful  poison,  both  the  foreign  and  native 
drug.  We  believe  with  the  sale  made  illegal  we  can  soon  put  an  end  to  the 
cultivation.  I make  this  appeal  to  the  British  people  on  behalf  of  my  fellow- 
countrymen." 

Dr.  Sun  Yat  Sen,  First  Provisiova'  President  of  the  Republic  of  China  C1912^ 


The  Liquor  Traffic  in  China  does  not  appear  to  have  got  any 
very  great  hold  upon  the  people,  although  there  are  indications 
that  with  the  suppression  of  opium  smoking,  spirit  drinking  may 
take  its  place.  It  is  therefore  of  the  utmost  importance  that  this 
matter  should  be  closely  watched,  and  the  Chinese  Government 
induced  to  adopt  prohibitive  measures  before  the  evil  takes  deeper 
root.  That  this  is  absolutely  necessar}-  is  seen  from  the  two  last 
-Annual  Reports  of  the  British  Governor  of  W'eihaiwei,  from 
which  the  following  quotations  are  taken  : — 

“ The  diminution  in  the  use  of  opium  seems  to  be  leading  to 
“ an  excessive  use  of  alcohol,  and  though  drunkenness  cannot 
“ yet  be  said  to  be  a prevalent  vice,  cases  of  intoxication  are  un- 
“ doubtedly  more  numerous  than  in  previous  years."  (1910). 

“ The  excessive  use  of  alcohol,  to  which  reference  was  made 
“ in  the  Report  for  1910,  is  on  the  increase.  Cases  of  drunken- 
“ ness,  which  till  recent  years  were  veiy  rare  among  the  Chinese 
of  this  territory,  are  now  becoming  more  numerous,  and  the 
" Chinese  themselves  say  that  this  is  due  to  the  suppression  of 
"opium  smoking."  (191  ij. 

Mr.  R.  S.  Pratt,  British  Pro-Consul  at  Hankow,  Che-Kaing 
Province,  reports  June,  1913  : — “ There  is  an  increasing  business 
with  the  Chinese  in  cheap  qualities  of  p>ort5  and  sherries  and 
Mr.  H.  .A.  Little,  British  Consul  at  .Amoy,  Fokien  Province, 
reports  June.  1913: — "There  is  a growing  taste  for  foreign 
wines  and  spirits." 


133 


The  reports  that  the  percentage  of  pauperism  and  crime,  re- 
sulting from  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors,  is  very  small,  should 
not  be  taken  too  seriously,  as  no  statistics  are  published  by  the 
Government  in  reference  to  these  matters.  Certainly  at  the  large 
ports  there  is  much  drunkenness,  both  among  the  native  and 
foreign  population,  and  Missionaries  declare  that  this  has  been  on 
the  increase  during  the  last  year  or  two.  Apparently  there  has 
been  no  check  put  upon  either  the  manufacture  or  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors,  and  the  terrible  evils  resulting  from  the  Opium 
habit  have  outweighed  those  arising  from  Alcohol.  The  Govern- 
ment of  China  will  be  well  advised,  if  at  the  commencement  of 
their  new  Republic,  they  determine  to  prohibit  both  these  drugs. 
A number  of  Temperance  Societies,  chiefly  organised  by  the  mis- 
sionaries, are  doing  something  to  warn  the  people  of  a danger 
which  threatens  them. 

For  nearly  eighty  years  a perpetual  struggle  has  been  main- 
tained by  the  Chinese  against  the  introduction  of  opium  into  their 
country.  They  have  declared  it  to  be  impossible  to  stop  the 
cultivation  of  the  drug  in  their  own  country,  while  it  was  being 
forced  upon  them  from  India.  In  the  early  thirties  of  the  nine- 
teenth century  the  mandarins  protested  against  the  merchants 
introducing  opium,  and  attempted  by  every  means  in  their  power 
to  stop  the  trade.  The  traffic  was  prohibited  and  vigilant  mea- 
sures adopted  to  prevent  its  importation.  In  1839  they  succeeded 
in  getting  Captain  Elliot,  the  British  Superintendent  of  Trade, 
to  enjoin  the  handing  over  of  all  the  opium  in  the  hands  of 
foreign  merchants  at  Canton,  and  obtained  a pledge  that  they 
would  no  longer  deal  in  the  drug.  On  the  3rd  of  April,  1839, 
over  20,000  chests  ot  opium  were  handed  over  to  the  Chinese 
authorities,  and  by  them  destroyed.  This  victory  was  celebrated 
throughout  China  by  great  rejoicings,  but  the  British  Govern- 
ment considered  that  the  matter  had  not  been  dealt  with  in  a 
right  manner,  war  broke  out  between  the  two  countries,  and 
what  is  known  as  the  “ Opium  War  ” lasted  until  1842,  when 
the  Chinese  surrendered,  ceding  Hong  Kong  to  the  victors,  and 
agreeing  to  pay  an  indemnity,  with  the  right  of  importing  opium 
into  China.  The  result  of  the  war  was  a terrible  blow  to  China, 
and  the  continued  importation  and  use  of  the  drug  have  degraded 
the  people  beyond  description. 

Since  1842  many  efforts  have  been  made  to  secure  the  sup- 
pression of  the  opium  traffic,  but  for  revenue  purposes,  and  no 
other,  the  Indian  Government  has  been  permitted  to  force  the 
fatal  drug  upon  the  Chinese.  In  1906  a resolution  passed  the 
House  of  Commons  unanimously  declaring  the  Indo-Chinese 
opium  traffic  to  be  morally  indefensible,  and  the  Government 


154 


announced  Its  willingness  to  co-operate  with  the  Chinese  Gov- 
ernment in  extinguishing  the  evil  in  China.  Later  the  same 
year  the  Chinese  Government  issued  regulations  to  its  subjects 
forbidding  the  growth  of  the  poppy  and  setting  a short  time 
limit  to  the  smoking  of  opium  in  China.  In  1907  an  agreement 
was  arranged  with  the  British  Government  to  lessen  the 
sale  of  opium  to  China  by  one-tenth  every  year,  beginning 
with  1908,  and  terminating  the  whole  Indo-Chinese  opium  traffic 
at  the  end  of  1916,  providing  China  reduced  her  own  production 
at  the  same  rate.  Difficult  as  it  was  to  prevent  her  own  people 
producing  an  article  which  was  being  introduced  by  foreigners, 
China  had  by  the  middle  of  1910  far  exceeded  the  rate  she  had 
undertaken,  for  while  the  importation  from  India  had  only  been 
reduced  by  30  per  cent,  the  production  in  China  had  been  reduced 
by  over  70  per  cent.  The  reduction  in  the  native  production 
caused  an  extraordinary  rise  in  the  price  of  opium,  by  which  the 
Indian  Government  secured  as  much  revenue  in  three  years  and 
a quarter  as  had  been  considered  possible  during  the  whole  time 
allowed  for  the  process  of  prohibition.  Under  these  circum- 
stances, in  1911,  a new  agreement  was  signed  in  which  the 
British  Government,  “ recognising  the  large  measure  of  success 
achieved  by  China  in  stamping  out  the  production  and  con- 
sumption of  opium,”  promised  China  every  assistance  in  com- 
pleting the  work.  It  was  therefore  agreed  that  China  should 
have  full  liberty  to  stamp  out  completely  the  smoking  of  opium  ; 
and  that  as  soon  as  ever  China  could  prove  that  she  had  stopped 
the  production  of  the  native  drug  in  any  given  province,  that 
province  should  no  longer  be  compelled  to  take  any  more  opium 
from  India;  and  in  the  meantime  China  undertook  to  withdraw 
the  obstacles  which  some  of  her  officials  had  put  in  the  way  of 
the  Indian  import  trade. 

The  earnestness  and  determination  with  which  the  Chinese 
set  to  work  to  secure  the  prohibition  of  the  opium  traffic,  are  an 
object  lesson  to  other  nations  in  connection  with  alcohol  and 
other  intoxicants.  The  principal  of  the  S.  L.  Baldwin  Theo- 
logical College,  Foochow,  in  1908,  stated  :■ — 

” Intense  interest  is  being  taken  by  the  people  of  Foochow 
‘‘  in  the  abolition  of  the  opium  traffic.  When  the  Government 
“announced  its  purpose  of  banishing  opium  from  China  many 
“ were  incredulous,  some  doubting  the  sincerity  of  the  Govern- 
“ ment  in  making  the  announcement,  and  some  doubting  its 
“ ability  to  carry  out  such  a project.  With  every  city,  town,  and 
“ village  full  of  opium  dens,  and  patronised  by  millions  of  opium 
“ smokers,  the  probability  of  being  able  to  uproot  this  deep  and 
“ widespread  oviJ,  certainly  did  not  present  a very  hopeful  pro- 


155 


“ spect,  and  it  is  not  surprising  that  many  should  doubt  and 
“ question.  A more  gigantic  undertaking  has  probably  never 
“ been  attempted  by  any  nation.  To  the  surprise  ot  nearly 
“everybody  the  authorities  took  hold  of  the  matter  in  such  a 
“ determined  and  undaunted  manner,  that  notwithstanding  the 
“greatness  of  the  task,  it  is  the  general  opinion  now  that  the 
“ traffic  will  be  suppressed  in  a short  time.  The  date  fixed  for  the 
“ closing  of  the  opium  dens  in  Foochow  was  the  12th  day  of 
“ May,  1907.  Those  who  were  engaged  in  the  opium  business 
“ did  all  they  could  to  resist  the  enforcement  of  the  law.  Several 
“ days  previous  to  the  time  appointed  for  closing,  over  one 
“ thousand  of  the  proprietors  came  together  in  mass  meeting, 
“ in  one  of  the  heathen  temples,  passed  resolutions  against 
“ closing,  and  drafted  a remonstration  to  the  Viceroy.  A large 
“ sum  of  money  was  also  subscribed  to  fight  the  anti-opium  law, 
“ but  it  was  all  in  vain.  The  man  who  presented  the  petition 
“ was  arrested  and  locked  up  in  the  prison.  More  positive  and 
“ stringent  orders  than  ever  were  issued  for  closing,  and  on  this 
“ single  day.  May  12th,  three  thousand  opium  dens  in  Foochow 
“ city  and  suburbs  went  out  of  business,  not  considering  it  wise 
“ to  offer  further  resistance.  One  man,  who  was  related  to  some 
“ of  the  officials,  presumed  to  trust  to  his  infiuence  with  them  for 
“ protection,  and  so  did  not  close.  He  was  summarily  arrested, 
“ lodged  in  gaol,  and  his  property  confiscated.  Two  or  three 
“ others  who  defied  the  law  were  loaded  with  chains,  and  in 
“ this  way  marched  through  the  streets,  as  an  example  or  warn- 
“ ing  to  others.  Within  a week  of  the  law  going  into  effect, 
“ so  far  as  was  known  there  did  not  exist  in  Foochow  City  a 
“ single  opium  den,  so  completely  was  the  law  enforced.  The 
“ day  the  opium  dens  were  closed  was  made  a general  holiday, 
“ and  great  rejoicings  took  place  throughout  the  city.  Flags 
“were  floating  from  hundreds  of  business  houses  and  private 
“dwellings;  processions  of  students  paraded  the  streets  with 
“banners;  great  public  demonstrations  were  held  in  different 
“ parts  of  the  city,  and  in  various  other  ways  the  people  sought 
“ to  give  expression  to  their  unbounded  joy  over  the  victory 
“ that  had  been  won.” 

From  Peking,  Tientsin,  Paoting  and  other  cities  came  similar 
news,  the  country  was  alive  with  gladness  over  the  prohibition 
of  opium.  The  following  is  from  Tientsin 

“ In  former  times,  when  one  entered  into  an  office  or  a shop, 
“ one  would  find  at  least  one  lamp  and  pipe  for  smoking  pur- 
“ poses;  now  there  is  no  trace  of  such  things.  All  the  hotels, 
“ inns  and  houses  of  entertainment  in  the  Chinese  city,  and  the 
“ foreign  concessions  at  Tientsin  are  strictly  prohibited  from 
“ keeping  lamps  and  pipes  for  opium  smoking.” 

From  Canton  we  learn  that  as  soon  as  the  opium  dens 
were  closed,  the  pipes  and  other  apparatus  connected  with  the 


156 


traffic  were  seized  and  brought  to  the  market  place  for  des- 
truction : — 

“Two  great  pyramids  of  opium  pipes  and  traps  collected 
“ from  the  dens  closed  by  Imperial  edict  were  built  in  front  of 
“ the  City  Treasurer’s  yamen,  guarded  by  soldiers  and  students, 
“ while  onlookers  crowded  the  neighbouring  roofs  and  every 
“ point  of  vantage.  'Fhe  pryamids  contained  approximately 
“ 10,000  pipes.  At  the  appointed  time  dry  straw  was  piled 
“ round  them,  and  deluged  with  paraffin.  Then  in  the  presence 
“ of  a crowd  of  high  officials,  the  signal  was  given,  the  torch 
“ applied,  and  the  pile  burnt  amid  the  rejoicings  of  the  people.’’ 

Then  came  the  Chinese  Revolution  of  1911  and  the  setting 
up  of  a Republic  in  place  of  the  dynasty  which  had  existed  for 
hundreds  of  years.  During  the  disorder  which  naturally  at- 
tended “ the  transformation  of  the  world’s  oldest  empire  into 
its  newest  republic,’’  some  advantage  was  taken  by  the  farmers 
to  plant  the  opium  poppy  once  again,  so  that  the  spring  harvest 
of  igiz  showed  an  increase  in  native  production.  But  under 
the  Presidency  of  Dr.  Sun  Yat  Sen,  and  then  of  Yuan-Shih- 
Kai,  the  new  Republican  Government  have  taken  vigorous  steps 
to  suppress  the  traffic.  Drastic  measures  have  been  enforced 
against  those  who  plant  the  poppy  or  deal  in  opium.  From 
many  provinces  come  stories  of  imprisonment,  fines,  and  even 
beheadings  to  enforce  the  anti-opium  laws.  China’s  rulers 
realise  that  the  saving  of  the  country  from  the  devastating  evils 
of  opium  is  a life  and  death  struggle  for  their  people. 

The  deception  practised  upon  the  people,  in  the  interest  of 
the  traders  in  opium,  is  shown  by  the  following,  which  appeared 
in  the  Central  China  Post,  of  December  14th,  igia  ; — 

“ The  opium  interests  in  London  have  been  doing  all  in 
“ their  power  to  induce  the  Government  to  revoke  the  opium 
“agreement  of  igii — that  is,  to  open  China  again  to  a large 
“ importation  of  Indian  opium  because  of  the  relapse  of  the  revo- 
“ lution  year.  Few  people  knew  that  the  London  Times  was  utter- 
“ ing  nonsense  in  declaring  ' The  fields  of  China  are  aflame  with 
“ poppy  to-day,’  at  a time  when  one  season’s  harvest  had  been 
“ in  the  stores  for  months  and  when  the  next  season’s  sowing 
“ had  not  yet  begun.  Most  people  who  read  that  took  it  to  mean 
“ that  the  cultivation  of  opium  was  in  full  swing  again  through- 
“ out  China,  and  they  believed  that  to  be  the  truth.  They  did 
“ not  know  that  the  modicum  of  truth  on  which  it  was  based 
“ was  true  only  for  the  revolution  year.  There  are  many  places 
“ where,  even  during  the  revolution  year,  cultivation  was  effectu- 
“ ally  prohibited,  and  others  where  the  popp}'  crops  were  rooted 
“ up  before  the  harvest.  And,  as  China  has  extricated  herself 


157 


“ from  the  disorders  of  the  revolution,  the  measures  for  suppres- 
“ sing  the  opium  trade  have  become  more  and  more  stringent. 

The  earnestness  with  which  the  new  Government  has 
entered  upon  their  determination  to  suppress  the  opium  traffic, 
is  seen  in  the  following  from  the  Chinese  Students’  Monthly, 
for  March,  1913: — ■ 

“ The  following  is  a translation  of  the  terrifically  drastic 
“ law  recently  enacted  in  China,  aiming  to  suppress  the  use  of 
“ opium  completely.  This  law  actually  makes  it  a capital  offence 
“ to  smoke,  grow  or  transport  the  drug,  and  there  is  not  the 
“ least  likelihood  that  the  law  will  be  allowed  to  become  a dead 
“ letter.  Indeed,  it  has  already  been  enforced  by  the  execution 
“ of  two  opium  criminals  at  Changsha.  The  preamble  of  the 
“law  is  as  follows; — ‘All  opium  criminals  of  the  first  degree 
“ will  be  shot  until  they  are  dead.  A person  or  persons  who  shall 
“ be  convicted  of  any  of  the  following  offences  will  be  punished 
“as  an  opium  criminal  in  the  first  degree:  (i)  A person  who 
“ shall  actually  smoke  the  opium  drug;  (2)  A person  who  shall 
“ actually  smoke  the  opium  drug,  and  secretly  sell  the  same;  (3) 
“ A person,  planting  the  poppy,  who  shall  create  any  disturbance 
“ with  force  and  arms,  when  Government  officers  are  on  duty  to 
“ enforce  the  opium  extirpation  law;  (4)  When  three  persons,  or 
“ more,  shall  form  a combination  to  smuggle  or  transport  the 
“prohibited  drug,  and  who  shall  create  any  disturbance  with 
“ force  and  arms,  when  these  persons  are  put  under  arrest  or 
“ detained  by  authorised  officers,  or  by  gentries  of  the  locality 
“ where  the  illegal  trade  is  found.  ’ ” 

A Reuter  cablegram  from  Peking,  of  May  26th,  1913,  con- 
veyed the  following  important  news  : — 

“ China  having  officially  informed  the  British  Government 
“ that  the  growth  of  the  poppy  had  been  entirely  suppressed  in 
“ Shantung,  Anhui,  and  Hunan,  and  requested,  therefore,  in 
“ accordance  with  the  opium  agreement,  the  closing  of  these 
“ provinces  to  the  importation  of  Indian  opium.  Sir  John  Jordan, 
“ the  British  Minister,  has  sent  officials  to  inspect  and  report. 
“ The  officials  have  reported  that  the  suppression  was  astonish- 
“ ingly  thorough,  and  these  provinces  will  be  closed  forthwith.” 

Towards  the  end  of  1912  Mr.  E.  S.  Montagu,  M.P.  (Under 
Secretary  for  India),  paid  a special  visit  to  India,  making,  no 
doubt,  full  inquiries  in  reference  to  the  Indian  opium  traffic  with 
China,  so  that  when  the  question  was  brought  before  the  British 
Parliament  in  May,  1913,  he  was  much  better  able  to  put  the 
Government  position  before  the  country.  Mr.  Montagu’s  state- 
ment was  so  important  and  so  far  reaching  that  the  writer 
ventures  to  give  the  following  rather  long  extract ; — 


15S 


“ The  opium  traffic  was  in  a flourishing  condition  at  the 
“ beginning  of  the  sixteenth  century.  It  had  been  going  on  ever 
“ since.  No  member  could  read  the  history  of  the  traffic  without 
“ serious  misgivings  as  to  whether  Great  Britain  had  not  fallen 
“ far  short  of  her  Imperial  ideals  upon  several  occasions  during 
“ that  time.  There  was  satisfaction  in  the  fact  that  there  had 
“ always  been  in  the  House  of  Commons  a small  but  growing 
“ number  of  men  who  had  never  faltered  in  their  determination 
“ to  urge  the  cessation  of  the  traffic.  When  the  present  Govern- 
“ ment  came  into  office  in  igo6  the  opium  traffic  with  China  was 
“ flourishing,  legalised,  unthreatened.  No  end  was  in  sight. 
“ If  anyone  had  then  predicted  that  in  a short  period  of  years  an 
“ Indian  Finance  Minister  would  have  viewed  without  excessive 
“ emotion  or  even  panic  a total  loss  of  the  Indian  revenue  de- 
“ rived  from  the  Indo-Chinese  opium  traffic  he  would  have  been 
“ regarded  as  a wrong-headed  visionary.  But  the  whole  com- 
“ plexion  of  the  situation  was  changed  when  it  was  demonstrated 
“ beyond  doubt  that  there  was  in  China  a large  number  of  men 
“ who  abhorred  the  traffic,  and  were  determined  to  put  a stop  to 
“ it,  and  when  it  was  found  that  the  Government  of  China,  act- 
“ ing  on  behalf  of  the  Chinese  people,  were  anxious  to  rid  them- 
“ selves  of  the  terrible  curse.  There  could  not  be  the  slightest 
“ doubt  of  the  earnestness  and  the  courage  of  the  Chinese  Gov- 
“ ernment  and  people  as  a whole  in  ridding  themselves  of  opium. 
“ On  this  question  there  was  no  reason  for  cynicism  or  for 
“ scoffing.  China  was  showing  to  the  world  an  example  of  moral 
“ courage  which  was  rare  in  the  annals  of  the  human  race.  China 
“ had  an  almost  overwhelmingly  difficult  task  to  accomplish. 
“ China  wants  to  stop  the  use  of  opium,  and  we  are  ready  to 
“ help  her.  Our  readiness  to  help  has  been  acknowledged  again 
“ and  again.  She  asked  us  to  conclude  a treaty,  and  we  agreed  to 
“ the  treaty.  In  1907  the  Indian  Government,  acting,  of  course, 
“ through  His  Majesty’s  Government,  determined  to  give  to 
“ China  the  assistance  she  asked  and  deserved,  and  agreed  to 
“extinguish  the  opium  trade  with  China  in  ten  years,  on  con- 
“ dition  that  in  the  same  time  China  extinguished  her  growth 
“ of  opium.  The  end  of  the  Indo-Chinese  opium  trade  may  not 
“ be  so  quick  as  some  people  would  wish,  but  the  end  is  in  sight 
“ in  1916  of  a traffic  over  400  years  old,  an  end  which  could 
“ not  be  seen  at  all  seven  years  ago,  when  this  Government  came 
“ into  power.  We  have  in  India  now  abandoned  altogether  the 
“ revenue  derived  from  the  sale  of  opium  to  China  for  this  year. 
“ We  are  to-daj'  selling  no  opium  for  China  at  all,  and  I am  here 
“ to-night  in  the  proud  position  to  say  for  the  first  time  in  the 
“ long  history  of  India  that  we  are  selling  not  an  ounce  of  poppy 
‘ ‘ for  China. ’’ 

The  accumulated  stocks  of  Indian  opium  at  the  various 
Chinese  ports  are  causing  a considerable  amount  of  trouble.  It 


159 


is  estimated  that  these  stocks  are  valued  at  ;^8, 000,000 
($40,000,000),  and  how  to  dispose  of  them  is  the  problem  that 
has  to  be  solved.  In  May,  1913,  General  Chang:,  President  of 
the  Chinese  National  Opium  Prohibition  Union,  and  an  intimate 
friend  of  the  President  of  China,  arrived  in  England  on  a mission 
respecting  this  matter.  Speaking,  on  June  5th,  at  a meeting  of 
Members  of  Parliament,  in  the  General  Committee-room  of  the 
House  of  Commons,  General  Chang  said  : — 

“ Those  whom  he  represented  desired  that  China  should  be 
“ relieved  from  their  obligation  to  admit  the  accumulated  stocks 
“ of  opium.  It  was  very  difficult  to  check  the  native  growth  so 
“ long  as  the  farmer  saw  the  foreigner  still  making  profit  out  of 
“ the  importation  of  opium.” 

The  Manchester  Guardian  London  correspondent,  dealing 
with  General  Chang’s  speech,  said  : — 

” It  cannot  be  said  that  their  desire  is  unreasonable  seeing 
‘‘  that  the  Chinese  have  used  very  stringent  measures  in  their 
“ own  provinces  to  put  a stop  to  the  use  of  opium,  and  that  at 
‘‘  the  present  rate  of  consumption  it  would  take  thirteen  months 
” or  more  to  absorb  these  stocks.  To  buy  up  the  stuff  by  private 
‘‘  subscription  and  destroy  it  is  clearly  impossible  in  view  of  the 
‘‘  great  sum  of  money  involved.  Perhaps  a more  accept- 
” able  proposal  is  that  advocated  by  Dr.  Wenham,  who 
‘‘  accompanied  General  Chang,  namely,  that  by  an  arrange- 
‘‘ment  between  the  British  Government  and  the  Chinese  Re- 
” public  the  money  now  due  to  the  country  in  respect  of  the 
” Boxer  Indemnity  should  be  remitted  so  as  to  enable  the  author- 
‘‘  ities  in  China  themselves  to  purchase  and  destroy  the  stocks. 
“ Doubt  is,  however,  expressed  by  many  members  as  to  the 
” practicability  of  this  from  a financial  standpoint.  That  it 
‘‘  would  be  welcomed  both  in  China  and  here  as  a substantial 
‘‘  measure  of  reparation  of  injuries  inflicted  upon  China  bv 
” British  policy  in  the  past  would  be  generally  agreed.” 

In  the  British  House  of  Commons,  on  August  15th,  1913, 
Mr.  T.  C.  Taylor,  M.P.,  asked  what  decision  the  Government 
had  come  to  in  reference  to  the  request  from  the  Chinese  Govern- 
ment to  be  released  from  the  obligation  to  purchase  any  further 
Indian  opium.  Sir  Edward  Grey,  M.P.  (Foreign  Secretary) 
stated  that  the  Government  could  not  agree  to  the  proposal 
except  as  regards  provinces  where  the  production  of  native 
opium  had  ceased. 

Lieutenant  General  Chang,  before  leaving  England  for 
China,  issued  an  appeal  on  August  i6th,  1913,  to  the  British 
people,  in  which  he  stated  ; — 


160 


“ I was  appointed  by  the  National  Opium  Prohibition  Union 
“ of  China  to  come  to  England  to  put  before  the  British  Govern- 
“ ment  and  the  people  the  real  public  opinion  of  China  about  the 
“ opium  traffic,  and  to  ask  the  British  Government  to  release 
“ us  at  once  from  the  obligation  to  receive  any  more  Indian 
“ opium.  During  the  three  months  I had  personal  interviews 
“ with  Lord  Crewe  and  Sir  E.  Grey  and  over  260  members  of 
“ Parliament  of  all  parties,  and  addressed  public  meetings  in 
“ London,  Edinburgh,  Liverpool,  Leeds,  Manchester,  Birming- 
“ ham,  Bradford,  and  Newcastle.  In  the  course  of  these  inter- 
“ views  and  public  meetings  I told  the  Government  and  people 
“ of  Britain  the  real  facts  about  the  opium  question  in  China. 

“ Our  people  are  in  deadly  earnest  to  get  rid  of  this  evil. 
“ No  one  in  China  who  smokes  opium  can  vote  or  become  a 
“ public  official.  They  cannot  help  feeling  resentment  against 
“ the  country  which  is  forcing  upon  us  the  very  article  bj'  which 
“ we  are  degraded  and  disgraced.  Such  conditions  are  indeed 
“ intolerable  when  we  reflect  that  we  are  sacrificing  millions  of 
“ revenue  and  hundreds  of  lives  and  struggling  against  the 
“ enormous  difficulties,  and  that  a foreign  country  forces  us  to 
“ receive  the  poison  which  we  are  so  earnestly  endeavouring  to 
“ stamp  out. 

“ I have  striven  to  aw'aken  the  British  Government,  but  1 
“ have  not  yet  succeeded.  I am  going  home  to  take  the  reply 
“ from  your  Government  for  which  our  people  are  anxiously 
“ waiting.  I am  sorry  that  I shall  bring  them  an  unsatisfactory 
“ reply.  I earnestly  beg  that  everyone,  man  or  woman,  in  this 
“ country  will  do  their  utmost  to  write  or  speak  to  their  friends 
“ in  Parliament,  or  in  the  Government,  that  they  may  consider 
“ wisely  and  join  with  us  in  removing  the  root  of  wrong  and  in 
“ promoting  righteousness  in  the  world.” 

By  Sir  Edward  Grey’s  reply  and  General  Chang’s  appeal  it 
will  be  seen  that  the  opium  question  in  China  is  not  yet  settled, 
but  in  the  words  of  Mr.  Montagu,  ” The  end  is  in  sight,”  and 
the  victory  cannot  be  long  delayed. 


CHAPTER  HI 


“ I myself  feel  that  in  a country  like  India  the  only  real  policy  that  will 
do  in  this  matter  is  a policy  of  total  prohibition.  The  most  logical  and 
natural  position  for  Indians  to  take  up  was  that  the  State  should  have 
nothing  to  do  with  the  liquor  traffic.  If  their  wishes  were  consulted  in  the 
matter,  that  would  be  the  policy  the}"  would  endorse.  There  were  other  ways 
of  raising  revenue  much  less  harmful  than  that  of  the  Exise.  Even  the  salt 
tax,  much  as  I object  to  it,  was  more  capable  of  being  defended  than  the 
Excise  revenue,  for  in  the  latter  case,  so  much  money  was  taken  out  of  the 
pockets  of  the  poor,  and  so  much  misery  was  added  into  the  bargain,” 

The  Hon.  G.  K.  Gokhale,  C.J.E.  (1908). 


The  history  of  ancient  India  reveals  the  fact  that  after  the 
introduction  of  alcoholic  liquors  an  enormous  amount  of  drun- 
kenness resulted  among  all  classes  of  the  community.  The  evil 
became  so  great  that  a religious  crusade  was  organised  by 
“ the  highest,  most  religious  and  cultured  castes  of  Hindustan  ” 
in  favour  of  total  abstinence.  We  lind  that  the  Brahmins,  the 
Germanas,  and  the  Hyllobious  (or  Physicians)  all  joined  in  this 
crusade.  The  greatest  of  Hindu  law-givers,  Manu,  issued  500 
B.c.  a most  drastic  edict  against  drinking,  in  which  he  said  : — 

“ With  the  drinker  of  ‘ madhoo  ’ let  no  one  eat,  no-  one  join 
“ in  a sacrifice,  no  one  read.  With  such  a wretch  let  no  one  be 
“ allied  in  marriage.  Let  him  be  abject  and  excluded  from  all 
“ social  privileges.  Cast  forth  as  a vagabond  on  the  earth, 
“branded  with  indelible  ignominy,  he  shall  be  deserted  by  his 
“ own  parents,  and  treated  with  by  none.’’ 

The  Pentalogue  of  Buddha,  560  b.c.,  also  enjoined  total 
abstinence  from  all  intoxicants.  The  millions  who  inhabited  the 
Empire  of  the  Ganges,  as  far  as  history  can  carry  us,  were 
changed  from  a drunken  to  a sober  people.  Priests,  Sages  and 
Physicians  practised  and  taught  total  abstinence,  and  from  those 
early  centuries  tO’  the  present  time,  the  Buddhists,  Brahmins, 
Mohammedans  and  all  the  other  religious  sects  of  India  have 
been  in  the  main  adherents  of  total  abstinence  and  supporters  of 
the  entire  prohibition  of  all  alcoholic  liquors. 

The  administration  of  India  by  the  British  in  reference  to 
the  liquor  traffic  has  for  years  been  condemned  by  the  national 
leaders  of  the  people.  Important  resolutions  of  protest  have 


L 


162 


been  adopted  by  National  Congresses,  and  in  a number  of  the 
Native  States  many  edicts  have  been  issued  by  the  Princes  and 
Councils,  especially  against  the  serving  of  young  people  with 
any  kind  of  intoxicating  liquors.  The  terrible  scourge  of  alco- 
holism has,  however,  been  growing  in  intensity  year  by  year. 
The  Indian  Temperance  Associations,  the  Good  Templars,  the 
\'V.  W.C.T. U.,  and  other  organisations  in  India  have  been  doing 
much  to  counteract  the  evil,  while  the  Anglo-Indian  Temperance 
Association  in  London  has  continually  brought  the  question 
both  before  the  India  Office  and  Parliament. 

The  need  for  Temperance  effort  and  legislative  reforms  is 
evident  from  the  growth  in  the  consumption  of  alcoholic  liquors 
and  the  enormous  amount  of  Excise  revenue,  which  is  increas- 
ing every  year.  In  this  connection  it  must  be  remembered  that 
the  sale  of  all  intoxicants  in  India  is  practically  a Government 
monopoly.  There  are  four  classes  of  Intoxicants  in  addition  to 
imported  liquors,  namely,  toddy,  country  spirit,  opium  and  hemp 
drugs. 

Toddy  is  a fermented  liquor  drawn  from  the  Toddy  Palm. 
W^hen  freshly  drawn  it  is  considered  a wholesome  drink,  but 
when  fermentation  has  set  in,  as  it  will  do  about  eight  hours 
after  being  drawn  from  the  tree,  it  becomes  a dangerous  intoxi- 
cant. To  counteract  the  evil  results  of  the  traffic  in  fermented 
toddy,  it  is  strongly  urged  by  Temperance  reformers,  that  a 
maximum  quantity  of  toddy  to  be  allowed  to  be  drawn  from  the 
tree,  or  sold  in  toddy  shops,  should  be  fixed  by  law,  and  that 
trees  should  only  be  allowed  to  be  tapped  when  within  five  miles 
of  the  toddy  shop  from  which  the  toddy  is  to  be  sold. 

Country  Spirits  are  manufactured  in  central  distilleries 
belonging  to  or  controlled  by  the  Government.  These  distiller- 
ies are  regulated  by  the  Excise  department,  which  is  also  respon- 
sible for  the  distribution  of  the  liquor,  and  for  the  number,  and 
the  location,  of  the  shops  in  which  it  is  sold.  To  deal  with 
this  spirit  traffic  (and  the  toddy  shops  as  well),  it  is  proposed  that 
the  number  of  licences  should  be  considerably  reduced  and  that 
the  hours  of  sale  should  be  limited  by  the  later  opening  and 
earlier  closing  of  all  licensed  premises.  That  the  auction  system 
of  licensing  should  be  abolished,  and  fixed  licence  fees  substi- 
tuted, as  recommended  by  the  Government  Excise  Committee 
of  1905-6,  and  that  the  licensing  function  be  removed  from  the 
control  of  the  Revenue  Department  and  (with  proper  safeguards) 
placed  in  the  hands  of  local  committees  or  some  other  indepen- 
dent authority. 


163 


Opium  and  Hemp  Drugs  are  largely  consumed  in  India. 
The  great  struggle  over  the  Opium  trade  with  China  has,  to  a 
great  extent,  caused  the  drug  problem  which  exists  in  India  to 
be  very  much  overlooked.  The  drug  habit  is  very  prevalent  in 
the  north-east  provinces,  especially  in  Assam,  where  an  official 
is  now  making  investigations  into  the  matter.  The  demand  for 
the  prohibition  of  opium,  in  accord  with  the  example  of  China, 
does  not  meet  with  the  support  of  the  Government,  but,  important 
modifications  in  the  internal  opium  policy  have  been  announced, 
especially  in  connection  with  smoking  and  the  preparation  of 
smoking  materials.  Provincial  Governments,  including  Burma, 
are  invited  by  the  Indian  Government  absolutely  to  prohibit  these 
practices  when  carried  on  in  saloons  or  gatherings  numbering 
more  than  two  persons.  The  Government  also  favour  the  re- 
duction of  the  amount  of  opium  which  any  individual  may  law- 
fully possess,  the  increase  of  the  price  of  opium  when  issued 
from  Government  treasuries,  and  also  the  revision  of  rules  for 
the  sale  of  morphia  and  other  allied  opium  compounds,  the 
general  object  aimed  at  being  to  reduce  the  consumption  of  the 
drug  in  all  its  forms. 

For  many  years  it  was  contended  that  there  was  no  increase 
in  the  consumption  of  alcoholic  liquors,  although  there  was  an 
increase  in  the  amount  of  the  revenue.  This  contention  can  no 
longer  be  maintained,  the  evidence  is  too  conclusive.  The  in- 
crease in  the  quantity  of  Country  Spirits  (which  is  the  chief 
source  of  revenue),  which  are  consumed  in  the  four  principal 
Provinces,  is  shown  by  the  following  figures  : — 


Imperial  Gallons. 


Province. 

1894-95. 

1904-05. 

1909-10. 

1910-11. 

Bengal 

455.595 

700,  TOO 

1,095,000 

1,532,000 

Bombay 

2,073,730 

2,383,000 

2,533,000 

2,798,000 

Madras 

1,255,665 

1,279,537 

1,51  1,000 

I ,538,000 

United  Provinces 

1,005,521 

1,445,557 

1,013,000 

1 ,329,000 

Totals 

4,790,411 

5,808,194 

6,152,000 

7,197,000 

The  totals  for  the  Punjab, 

Central  Provinces  and 

Berar,  and 

Eastern  Bengal  and  Assam, 

are  given 

as  follows  : 

: — 1909-10, 

1,581,000  gallons. 

and  in  igio 

-II  it  was 

1,961,000. 

It  has  been  very  difficult  to  get  correct  returns  in  reference 
to  the  drunkenness  of  India,  several  provinces  make  no  returns 
under  this  head,  and  in  other  cases,  where  the  information  is 
given  it  is  verv  incomplete  and  unsatisfactory. 


164 


These  figures  are  only  given  as  instances  of  what  may  he 
regarded  as  the  general  tendency  : — 


Province. 

Convictions  for  Drunkenness. 

1909-10.  1910-1 1.  Increase. 

Bengal 

9,897 

10,286 

389 

Bombay 

— 

5.023 

Central  Provinces 

384 

490 

106 

L’nited  Provinces 

1,248 

1,508 

260 

Bengal  the  figures 

only  refer  to  m 

unicipal 

areas,  and  in 

Bombay  no  figures  were  issued  until  igii.  Strange  as  it  may 
appear,  but  with  this  large  number  of  convictions  for  drunken- 
ness in  Bombay  there  was  not  a single  conviction  recorded 
against  any  licensee  for  permitting  drunkenness  upon  licensed 
premises.  Though  the  figures  are  not  given  the  report  of  the 
Excise  Administration  in  the  Punjab  states  : — 

“ The  spread  of  drunkenness,  leading  in  many  cases  to 
“ violent  crime  in  the  rural  tracts  of  the  Central  Punjab,  calls 
“ for  urgent  attention.” 

The  Lieutenant-Governor’s  preface  to  the  report  says  : — 

‘‘  It  can  only  be  concluded  that  apart  from  the  yery  serious 
‘‘  increase  of  drunkenness  in  districts  such  as  Ferozepore,  the 
‘‘  number  of  persons  who  have  acquired  the  habit  of  indulgence 
‘‘  in  alcohol  is  steadily  increasing  throughout  the  province.” 

And  in  subsequent  speeches  the  Lieutenant-Governor  (Sir 
Louis  Dane),  has  stated  that : — 

‘‘  Intemperance  was  prevalent  in  the  central  districts,”  that 
‘‘  the  practice  was  becoming  widespread  and  was  confined  to  no 
” class  in  particular,”  for  ‘‘prince  and  peasant,  educated  and 
‘‘  uneducated,  were  being  involved  in  a common  ruin.” 

Sir  Gurudas  Banerjee  (late  Judge  of  the  Calcutta  High 
Court)  states  : — 

‘‘  Not  only  was  it  unnecessary  but  mischievous  to  take 
‘‘  liquor  in  India.  The  crime  and  wrong  caused  by  intemper- 
‘‘  ance  was  enormous,  and  the  cost  to  the  State  far  outweighed 
‘‘  the  amount  received  as  Excise  revenue.” 

From  every  province  comes  the  same  opinion,  expressed  by 
the  highest  and  most  capable  of  India’s  public  men  and  leaders. 

The  statistics  of  the  amount  of  Excise  revenue  raised  from 
the  manufacture,  importation  and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors, 
may  not  be  a reliable  guide  in  arriving  at  the  facts  regarding 
either  the  consumption  of  liquor,  or  the  amount  of  drunkenness 
resulting  therefrom,  but  it  does  indicate  the  constantly  increas- 
ing amount  of  money  that  is  being  expended  in  these  dangerous 
intoxicants.  The  rate  of  increase  has  been  so  rapid  that  the 
causes  assigned  by  Government  officials  are  obviously  insuffi- 
cient, and  other  explanations  are  needed. 


165 


The  following  are  the  total  Excise  revenue  returns  for  the 
years  stated  ; — 


Years. 

;6' 

$ 

1874-75 

1,564,000 

7,820,000 

1884-85 

2,674,000 

13.370,000 

1894-95 

3,618,000 

18,090,000 

1904-05 

5,353,000 

26,765,000 

1905-06 

5,687,000 

28,435,000 

1906-07 

5,898,000 

29,490,000 

1907-08 

6,227,000 

31.135.000 

1908-09 

6,389,000 

31,945,000 

1909-10 

6,537.000 

32,685,000 

1910-1 1 

35.150,000 

191 1-12 

(revised 

estimate) 

7,646,000 

38,230,000 

1912-13 

(Budget 

7,907,000 

39,535,000 

estimate) 

In  the  issue  of  “The  Moral  and  Material  Progress  of 
India,’’  for  1912,  the  following  figures  are  given  to  show  that 
the  Excise  revenue  is  increasing  over  the  greater  part  of  India. 
These  figures  are  in  respect  to  the  seven  major  provinces  for  the 


years  1909-10  and 

1910-1 1 : — 

1909-10 

1910- 

I I 

Province 

$ 

£ 

$ 

Bengal 

1,119,561 

5,595.805 

1.198,435 

5.992,175 

Bombay  ... 

1.172,623 

5,863,315 

1,265,670 

6,328,350 

Central  Provinces 
and  Berar  ... 

488,896 

2.444.480 

537.600 

2,688,000 

Eastern  Bengal 
and  Assam  . . . 

487,006 

2,435.030 

524.726 

2,623,630 

Madras  ... 

1.793.698 

8,968,490 

1.841,997 

9.209,985 

Punjab  ... 

288,783 

1,443.915 

380,318 

1.901,590 

United  Provinces 

573.470 

2,867,350 

674,225 

3.371.125 

The  approximate  increase  in  Excise  for  the  eleven  years 
ending  1911-12  has  been  as  follows: — Bengal,  24  per  cent., 
Bombay,  90  per  cent.,  Central  Provinces,  80  per  cent..  Eastern 
Bengal  and  Assam,  44  per  cent.,  Madras,  120  per  cent.,  Punjab, 
120  per  cent,  and  the  United  Provinces,  51  per  cent.  The  late 
Mr.  W.  S.  Caine,  a Member  of  the  British  Parliament,  some  few 
years  ago,  made  a complete  study  of  the  liquor  system  in  India, 
travelling  for  many  months  in  the  various  provinces.  At  the 
conclusion  of  his  investigations  he  declared  : — 

“ The  whole  Excise  policy  of  the  Indian  Government  is 
“ hostile  to  the  true  interest  of  the  Indian  people,  and  runs 
“ counter  to  their  religious  convictions  and  social  habits,  which 
“ are  violently  opposed  to  the  use  of  everything  that  intoxicates.  ’’ 


166 


In  1905  the  late  Viceroy,  Lord  Curzon,  appointed  a Com- 
mittee of  officials  “to  inquire  into  the  Excise  administration  and  to 
promote  reforms  therein.’’  The  report  of  this  Committee  was 
published  in  December,  1906,  and  was  a distinct  advance  upon 
previous  reports.  The  Committee  approved  the  steady  abolition 
of  the  outstill  system,  and  expressed  the  opinion  that  the  general 
arrangements  for  distillery  control  needed  complete  revision  in 
all  Provinces  except  Madras.  They  also  recommended  a con- 
siderable increase  in  the  duty  on  foreign  beer,  which  has  been 
adopted.  The  consumption  of  imported  spirits  was  admitted  to 
be  increasing  out  of  all  proportion  to  the  increase  of  the  popula- 
tion. The  chief  remedies  proposed  by  the  Committee  were  an 
increase  of  taxation,  and  a limitation  of  the  number  of  shops, 
particularly  those  for  consumption  on  the  premises.  The  Pro- 
hibition of  the  traffic  has  not  yet  entered  into  the  serious  con- 
sideration of  the  permanent  officials,  but  it  is  satisfactory  to  note 
that  the  Government  is  becoming'  alive  to  the  importance  of  con- 
sulting local  opinion  upon  this  great  question. 

Year  by  year  larger  powers  are  being  given  to  the  repre- 
sentatives of  Indian  opinion  upon  the  Legislative  Councils,  and 
Excise  matters  are  among  the  first  questions  brought  under 
discussion.  Within  a very  short  space  of  time  the  question  has 
been  before  every  one  of  the  provincial  Legislative  Councils, 
but  the  Indian  representatives  being  in  the  minority  at  present 
on  these  Councils,  in  most  cases  their  proposals  have  been  re- 
jected. The  desire  of  the  Indian  representatives  may  be  gathered 
from  the  following  : — 

Madras.  In  the  Madras  Legislative  Council,  on  April  6th, 
1910,  The  Hon.  Mr.  K.  Perrazu  Pantulu  moved  : 

“ That  this  Council  recommends  to  His  Excellency  the 
“ Governor  in  Council  that  local  option  as  to  the  location  of 
“ shops  for  vending  toddy  and  country  spirits  within  municipal 
’ ’ limits  be  given  to  the  Alunicipal  Councils,  and  that  no  special 
“licences  be  issued  for  toddy  and  country  liquor  shops  during 
“ fairs  and  religious  festivals.’’ 

Not  a very  drastic  resolution,  but  it  was  opposed  by  the 
Government  and  rejected.  .Again  on  February  14th,  191a,  the 
question  was  before  the  Madras  Legislative  Council,  when  the 
Hon.  Rao  Bahadur  P.  Theagaraya  Chetty  moved  the  following 
resolution  : — 

“ This  Council  notes  wuth  regret  the  large  rise  in  the  con- 
“ sumption  of  toddy  and  arrack  that  has  been  steadily  going  on 
“ in  this  Presidency,  in  spite  of  the  most  stringent  measures  taken 
“ by  the  authorities  to  check  the  evil,  and  resolves  to  respect- 
“ fully  recommend  the  Government  the  adoption  of  the  following 


167 


‘‘remedial  measures  from  the  next  official  year; — (i)  The 
“ closing  of  all  toddy  and  arrack  shops  at  8 p.m.  instead  of 
“g  p.m.;  {2)  the  gradual  reduction  of  the  strength  of  arrack 
“ from  30  per  cent,  under  proof  to  35  per  cent,  under  proof,  by 
“ two  degrees  in  each  of  the  first  two  years,  and  by  another 
“degree  in  the  third  year;  (3)  the  prohibition  of  the  sale  of 
“ toddy  and  arrack  to  persons  below  the  age  of  18  years,  thus 
“ raising  the  age  limit  from  14  Uo  18;  (4)  the  restriction  of  the 
“ quantity  to  be  sold  at  a time  to  a maximum  per  head  of  half 
“ a Madras  measure  in  the  case  of  toddy,  and  ij  dram  in  the 
“ case  of  arrack;  (5)  the  reintroduction  of  the  system  of  allow- 
“ ing  sales  of  toddy  under  the  trees  tapped;  (6)  the  restriction 
“ of  the  quantity  of  arrack  to  be  supplied  to  shops  during  festi- 
“ vals  which  do  not  attract  pilgrims  to  50  per  cent.,  in  addition 
“ to  the  average  daily  supply  issued  during  the  preceding  twelve 
“ months;  and  (7)  sales  of  shops  once  in  three  years  instead  of 
“ every  year  as  at  present.” 

Although  the  Government  of  Madras  has  repeatedly  ad- 
mitted the  growing  seriousness  of  the  evil,  the  main  propositions 
of  the  resolution  were  opposed  by  the  Government  and  therefore 
rejected.  Clause  2 was  accepted,  and  Clause  3 was  amended  and 
adopted,  fixing  the  age  at  16. 

Bombay.  Similar  efforts  have  been  made  in  the  Bombay 
Legislative  Council  with  similar  results.  On  March  13th,  1911, 
the  Hon.  Mr.  Cokuldas  K.  Parekh  moved  : 

“That  Government  would  be  pleased  to  give  a trial  to  the 
“ principle  of  local  option  within  specified  areas  in  which  the 
“ majority  of  inhabitants  express  a desire  for  the  removal  of 
“liquor  shops  from  such  areas.” 

Again  in  the  Council  of  April,  1912,  the  Hon.  Mr.  Karandi- 
kar  moved  a resolution  in  favour  of  experimental  prohibition  in 
selected  areas. 

Both  resolutions  were  opposed  by  the  Government  and  there- 
fore rejected. 

The  United  Provinces.  Similar  action  has  been  taken  in  tho 
Legislative  Council  for  the  United  Province,  but  with  no  better 
result.  On  April  loth,  1911,  The  Hon.  Mr.  Ganga  Prasad  Varma 
moved  : — 

“ That  this  Council  recommends  that  instructions  be  issued 
“ to  the  Commissioner  of  Excise  that  no  special  licences  should 
“ be  granted  for  the  sale  of  liquors  and  intoxicating  drugs  on 
“ the  occasion  of  religious  festivals,  and  that  all  shops  lying  on 
“ the  roads  leading  to  religious  melas  be  closed  on  the  appointed 
“ dates.  ” 


168 


In  spite  of  the  unanimous  support  of  the  Indian  members  of 
the  Council,  the  Government  opposed  the  resolution  and  it  u^as 
rejected. 

In  all  the  other  provinces  the  subject  has  been  raised  and 
althoug'h  the  Indian  members  have  been  practically  unanimous  in 
their  recommendations,  with  some  very  minor  exceptions,  the 
Government  have  opposed  the  resolutions  and  therefore  they  have 
been  rejected.  This  action  is  greatly  to  be  regretted  and  cannot 
long  continue. 

In  addition  to  the  efforts  which  are  being  put  forth  in  India, 
the  Anglo-Indian  Temperance  Association,  of  which  Mr. 
Frederick  Grubb  is  the  Secretary,  has  done  splendid  work  in 
England  by  repeated  interviews  with  the  Secretary  of  State 
for  India;  by  bringing  the  question  before  Parliament;  and  by 
meetings  at  which  leading  Indians,  visiting  Great  Britain,  have 
spoken  upon  the  importance  of  the  question  to  the  Indian  people. 
Mr.  Grubb,  and  other  members  of  this  Association,  have  also 
visited  India,  to  investigate  and  report. 

In  igi2  (July  i8th)  a large  deputation,  organised  by  the 
Anglo-Indian  Temperance  Association,  and  representing  all  the 
great  Temperance  Societies  of  Great  Britain,  waited  upon  the 
Secretary  of  State  for  India  (Lord  Crewe),  Sir  Herbert  Roberts, 
Bart.,  M.P.,  introduced  the  deputation  and  presented  a most 
important  memorial.  Two  of  India’s  foremost  statesmen  placed 
the  matter  before  Lord  Crewe,  with  great  earnestness  and  ability. 

The  Hon.  G.  K.  Gokhale,  C.l.E.,  said: — 

“ I am  very  glad  to  have  this  opportunity  of  taking  part  in 
“ these  proceedings,  because  the  question  of  Temperance  is  one 
“of  those  subjects  which  intimately  concerns  the  future  of 
“ India,  and  all  who  have  the  moral  and  material  interests  of 
“ the  country  at  heart  take  a deep  and  most  vigilant  interest  in 
“ its  progress.  I will  state  frankly  at  the  outset  that  personally 
“ I am  a Prohibitionist,  and  I believe  that  total  prohibition  is 

“ really  in  keeping  with  the  sentiment  of  the  Indian  people. 

“ Meanwhile,  the  well-wishers  of  India  are  prepared  to  join 
“ in  every  endeavour  to  check  the  growth,  and,  if  possible,  to 
“ reduce  the  extent  of  the  evil  which  I venture  to  think  is  in- 
“ separable  from  the  present  system  of  Excise  administration 
“ in  India.  Anyone  who  has  studied  this  question  will  have  been 
“ struck  by  three  outstanding  features  of  the  situation. 

“ The  first  is  that  the  consumption  of  liquor,  moderate  or 
“ immoderate,  is  contrary  to  the  sentiment  of  the  great  majority 
“ of  the  people  of  India,  and  in  many  classes  of  Indian  Societ}' 

“ it  has  never  been  practised.  The  second  fact  is  that  in  pre- 

“ British  times  the  State  did  not  regulate  the  liquor  traffic,  and 


16‘J 


“ did  not  have  this  extremely  large  revenue  from  drink,  and  this 
“ fact  in  a way  disqualifies  the  British  Government  from  being 
“ an  impartial  judge  in  this  matter.  Ihirdly,  and  lastly,  there 
“ is  no'  doubt  that  the  consumption  of  liquor  is  on  the  increase. 
“ There  is  a universal  consensus  of  opinion  in  India  on  the  sub- 
“ ject  among  non-officials — missionaries  included — and  I think 
“ that  even  officials  admit  it  to  a certain  extent. 

“ There  is  no  doubt  the  Government  has  no  wish  to  spread 
“the  habit  of  drinking.  Everybody  recognises  that  at  once. 
“ They  do  not  want  to  spread  drinking,  but  the}'  are  interested 
“ in  the  revenue  that  arises  from  it,  and  that  constituted  a seri- 
“ ous  difficulty  in  dealing  with  the  question.  Therefore  the 
“ revenue  authorities  should  not  be  the  licensing  authority.  My 
“ second  point  is  that  the  system  of  putting  up  licences  to  auction 
“ must  be  abolished.  These  are  two  important  steps  without 
“ which  no  real  impro\'ement  in  the  whole  situation  can  be 
“ effected. ’’ 

The  Hon.  D.  P.  Sarvadhikary,  M.A.,  Member  of  the  Bengal 
Legislative  Council,  said  : — 

“ The  location  and  number  of  the  shops  licensed  for  the 
“ sale  of  drink  constitutes  one  of  the  most  important  matters 
“ calling  for  attention.  Larger  reforms  may  be  a matter  of  time, 
“ but  legislative  interference  with  regard  to  the  location  and 
“ number  of  shops  and  the  hours  of  opening  could  be  at  once 
“ undertaken  by  means  of  a chang'e  in  administrative  policy,  if 
‘ ‘ your  Lordship  will  only  be  good  enough  to  see  things  from  the 
“ point  of  view  we  desire  to  place  before  you.  In  India  we  live 
“ under  settled  conditions.  Those  who’  really  want  the  drink 
“ can  get  it  at  their  own  places.  What  we  are  fighting  against 
“ is  the  dram-drinking  at  these  smaller  shops.  No  Hindu  or 
“ Mohammedan  worthy  of  the  name,  and  no-  respectable  member 
“ of  Indian  Society  would  take  a bottle  of  drink  into  his  own 
“ house  and  consume  the  contents  in  the  presence  of  and  with 
“ his  family  and  friends.  These  people  are  tempted  to  go  into 
“ the  liquor  shops  in  the  early  hours  of  the  morning  and  in  the 
“ late  hours  of  the  day ; they  have,  as  it  is,  a very  small  share  of 
“ this  world’s  material  prosperity,  and  too  much  of  that,  unfor- 
“ tunately,  goes  to  the  drink  shop  instead  of  being  taken  home. 
“ Many  people  will  not  venture  to  gO’  to  these  shops  in  daylight; 
“ they  go  under  the  cover  of  the  night  to  get  their  drink.  That 
“ is  one  reason  why  we  ask  for  a curtailment  in  the  hours  of 
“ opening. 

“If  we  had  our  own  way  most  of  the  drink  shops  wmuld 
“ disappear  to-morrow,  but  we  do  appeal  for  something  to  be 
“ done  in  the  way  of  reducing  the  number  of  these  shops,  and 
“ the  hours  of  opening,  as  this  at  any  rate  would  go  some  way 
“ toward  minimising  the  evil  of  which  we  have  so  much  to 
“ complain.  ’’ 


170 


The  reply  of  the  Secretary  of  State  was  considered  by  the 
deputation  to  be  in  the  main,  satisfactory.  His  Lordship  practi- 
cally admitted  the  strength  of  the  case  submitted  to  him,  and 
although  he  would  not  commit  himself  to  a complete  application 
of  the  principle  of  local  option  he  recognised  the  desirability  of 
improving,  as  far  as  possible,  the  machinery  of  the  .Advisory 
Committees,  and  he  promised  to  convey  the  suggestions  made  to 
him  on  this  and  other  matters  to  the  Government  of  India. 

The  iJidiati  Jl’itness  of  Calcutta,  in  igo8,  under  the  heading, 
“ Shall  Prohibition  be  the  issue,”  said  : — 

‘‘  Indications  are  at  hand  which  show  that  in  the  near  future 
‘‘  the  friends  of  the  Temperance  reform  in  this  land  will  be  com- 
‘‘  pelled  to  decide  whether  the  logic  of  the  situation  does  not 
‘‘  demand  that  they  set  before  them  as  their  avowed  goal  the 
‘‘  prohibition  of  the  open  beverage  retail  sale  of  alcoholic  drinks. 
” About  all  has  been  obtained  by  way  of  regulation  that  may  be 
” expected.  The  decision  in  the  Poona  case  concerning  picket- 
‘‘  ing;  the  reply  of  the  Government  of  Bombay  to  the  Temper- 
‘‘ ance  deputation;  and  the  conclusions  reached  in  Bengal,  all 
” point  to  little  change  for  the  lessening-  of  the  evils  of  the  trade. 
‘‘  If  there  is  to  be  a regulated  trade,  further  slight  improve- 
‘‘  ments  may  be  made,  but  nothing  worthy  the  name  of  a serious 
‘‘  or  sweeping  reform. 

” There  are  at  least  five  groups  of  people  who  ought  to  be 
‘‘  brought  under  the  operation  of  prohibitory  law.  Hindus, 
‘‘  whose  religion  forbids  the  use  of  alcoholic  beverages,  ought  to 
” be  protected  by  law  in  living  as  abstemiously  as  their  religion 
‘‘demands.  The  same  is  true  of  Mohammedans.  It  ought  not 
‘‘  to  be  that  conversion  to  Christianity  and  the  breaking  down 
‘‘  of  caste  rules  should  lead  to  greater  exposure  to  drink.  The 
‘‘  aboriginal  peoples  should  be  protected  from  the  ravages  of 
‘‘  drink,  along  with  other  child  races  in  the  world.  Those  who 
‘‘  are  lifted  above  the  poverty  line  by  the  improvement  of  eco- 
‘‘  nomic  conditions  should  not  find  that  they  are  met  on  this 
‘‘  higher  level  with  the  temptations  of  facilities  for  drink.” 

‘‘If  Government  and  business  houses  would  find  it  difficult 
‘‘  to  secure  from  England  abstaining  clerks,  and  if  educated, 
‘‘  wealthy,  self-poised  Indians  must  have  their  wines,  there  are 
‘‘  other  ways  than  the  open  bar  of  the  retail  shop  for  them  to 
‘‘  get  their  supply  of  poison.  The  avowed  policy  of  the  Govern- 
‘‘  ment  not  to  extend  the  drink  habit  requires  that  the  open 
‘‘  shops  for  beverage  sale  be  abolished,  leaving  those  who  now 
‘‘  drink  to  get  their  supplies  some  other  way.  Sufficient  data 
‘‘is  at  hand  to  prove  that  it  is  the  retail  shop  which  is  the 
‘‘  drunkard  factory  among  the  masses.” 


CHAPTER  IV 


Ceylon 

“The  highest  morality  is  inculcated  in  the  system  of  Buddha.  Drink, 
opium,  and  all  that  tends  to  destro}'  the  composure  of  the  mind  are  discoun- 
tenanced. Buddha  said,  ‘ Man,  already  dark  with  ignorance,  should  not  add 
thereto  by  the  imbibing  of  alcoholic  drinks.’  One  of  the  vows  taken  by  the 
Buddhist  monks  and  by  the  laity  runs  thus,  ‘ I take  the  vow  to  abstain  from 
intoxicating  drinks  because  they  hinder  progress  and  virtue.’  The  dangers 
of  modern  life  originate  chiefly  from  drink  and  brutality,  and  in  Buddhist 
countries,  the  law,  based  upon  the  teaching  of  Buddhism,  prohibits  the 
manufacture,  sale  and  use  of  liquor.  The  inscription  of  Asoka,  and  the 
histories  of  Ceylon,  Burma,  and  other  Buddhist  countries  prove  this.” 

H.  Dhartiapala,  Ceylon  ( 1902 J. 


By  a convention  entered  into  with  the  Kandyan  chiefs  in 
1815  the  entire  sovereignty  of  the  island  was  handed  over  to  the 
British  Government,  who  in  return  guaranteed  to  the  inhabitants 
civil  and  religious  liberty ; the  inviolability  of  the  Buddhist  re- 
ligion ; and  the  administration  of  the  laws  of  the  country  in  the 
established  forms.  With  the  exception  of  three  slight  attempts 
at  rebellion  (1817,  1843  and  1848J,  there  has  been  a remarkable 
acceptance,  on  the  part  of  the  people,  of  this  legislation.  The 
greatest  difficulties  have  arisen  in  connection  with  the  liquor 
traffic.  Revenue  seems,  in  spite  of  many  protests  to  the  contrary, 
to  be  the  first  and  last  object  of  the  Government,  and  the  welfare 
of  the  people  takes  a second  place. 

By  far  the  greatest  proportion  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
island  are  Sinhalese,  who  are  followers  of  Buddha,  while  the 
Tamils,  wffio  come  next  in  number,  are  Hindus,  and  the  Arabs, 
Mohammedans.  The  Christians  form  a very  small  proportion 
of  the  population.  Under  these  circumstances  it  will  readily  be 
seen  that  the  religion  of  the  people,  whether  Buddhism,  Hindu- 
ism or  Mohammedanism,  is  against  the  use  of  intoxicating 
liquors,  and  the  liquor  traffic  would  be  largely  prohibited,  if  the 
question  was  left  to  the  decision  of  the  people.  That  may  be  the 
reason  why  the  authorities  refuse  to  grant  any  practical  local 
option,  and  leave  the  licensing  power  in  the  hands  of  the  revenue 
officials. 

The  recent  history  of  the  liquor  question  in  Ceylon  forms  one 
long  series  of  mistakes  and  blunders,  some  of  which  are  worse 
than  crimes.  Its  people  for  ages  have  been  total  abstainers,  its 


former  kings  refusing  to  receive  revenue  from  intoxicants,  or  to 
have  any  connection  whatever  with  the  manufacture  or  sale  of 
such  things.  It  is  no  exaggeration  to  say  that  the  introduction  of 
European  spirits  has  been  a great  curse  to  the  people.  Many  of 
the  leaders  of  these  people  declare  that  the  invaluable  blessing 
conferred  by  British  rule  is  threatened  with  partial  destruction, 
if  the  strongest  possible  steps  are  not  immediately  taken  to  stem 
the  flood  of  intemperance  which  is  spreading  over  the  country. 

While  a large  portion  of  the  island  is  at  present  practically 
free  from  the  evil,  the  growth  of  the  traffic  during  the  last  thirty- 
five  years  has  been  enormous.  The  importation  of  European 
spirits  has  more  than  doubled,  while  the  consumption  of  arrack 
(spirit)  is  now  very  great  indeed,  and  there  is  much  toddy  drinking 
also.  The  following'  is  in  round  figures  the  amount  of  spirits 
imported  into  Ceylon,  in  1876  and  igo6  : 

Year.  Brandy  (gals.)  Gin  (gals.)  Whisky  (gals.)  Totals. 

1876  49,000  28,000  r9o°° 

1906  45,000  80,000  77,000  202,000 

No  wonder  the  religious  and  educational  leaders  complain, 
no  wonder  the  planters  declare  that  the  coolies  and  natives  are 
becoming-  deteriorated,  and  that  the  people  themselves,  when  they 
see  their  fellows  going  to  destruction  through  alcoholic  liquors, 
should  be  desirous  of  some  more  stringent  legislation  against 
this  traffic.  Some  time  since  a Buddhist  preacher  is  reported  to 
have  declared  : — 

“ Before  we  were  civilised,  or  heard  of  the  Christian  religion, 
“our  people  were  known  for  their  sobriety.  Your  Western 
“ civilisation  has  taught  us  the  drink  habit,  and  unless  immedi- 
“ ate  repressive  measures  are  taken  we  shall  soon  become  the 
“ degenerate  descendants  of  a noble  race.” 

At  the  latter  part  of  the  nineteenth  century  the  Good  lempiar 
Order  and  the  W.W.C.T.U.  commenced  operations  in  the 
island,  and  although  neither  at  present  have  a large  membership, 
much  good  work  has  been  accomplished.  In  1904  a remarkable 
Temperance  revival  broke  out,  especially  among  the  Sinhalese, 
over  190,000  taking  the  total  abstinence  pledge.  A most  inter- 
esting account  of  this  uprising  was  given  to  the  writer  by  Mrs. 
Stevenson,  of  Colombo,  in  which  she  says  : — 

“ One  man  who  had  been  a victim  of  drink  was  the  first  to 
“ cry  out  against  it.  A small  band  in  his  native  village  joined 
“ with  him.  The  movement  took  root  in  other  villages  and 
“ swept  onward  with  surprising  rapidity — literally  thousands 
“ enrolled  themselves  under  the  total  abstinence  banner.  The 
“ movement  advanced  with  such  rapidity  that  the  arrack 
“ (brandy)  farmers  and  dealers  became  alarmed.  They  went  to 


173 


“ the  revenue  collectors,  and  said  that  they  simply  could  not  pay 
“ their  revenue  taxes.  The  Government  set  officials  to  watch, 
“and  verify  or  disprove  the  statments  of  ‘the  trade.’  They 
“ found  them  unquestionably  true.  Revenue,  in  the  East  as  in 
“ the  West,  is  the  sacred  centre  of  a nation’s  life  and  honour. 
“ In  Ceylon,  the  thoroughly  pernicious  system  obtains  of  selling 
“ the  licences  at  what  is  practically  an  auction,  giving  them  to 
“ the  highest  bidder.  W^lien  it  became  evident  that  the  sacred 
“ rights  of  revenue  were  endangered,  the  Government  addressed 
“ a letter  to  the  head-men  of  each  village,  telling  them  that  they 
“ would  each  be  held  personally  responsible  for  the  acts  of  every 
“ member  of  this  new  Temperance  Society,  if  its  existence  was 
“ encouraged  in  their  village.  Many  of  the  head-men  who  had 
“ joined  the  movement  returned  to  their  arrack  drinking,  and 
“ many  of  the  people  followed.  Is  it  to  be  wondered  at  that  the 
“movement  quickly  subsided?  A movement  is  on  foot  to  re- 
“ organise,  but  this,  for  some  time,  must  be  difficult,  unless  more 
“ enlightened  views  are  taken  by  the  Government.” 

The  subsequent  action  of  the  Government  was  even  worse 
instead  of  better,  showing  its  lack  of  appreciation  of  the  evils  of 
alcoholism  and  of  the  feeling  of  detestation  to  the  liquor  traffic 
held  by  the  mass  of  the  people  of  Ceylon.  In  spite  of  the  fact  that 
the  Temperance  movement  had  been  largely  destroyed  in  the 
interest  of  the  arrack  renters  and  the  revenue,  a few  noble- 
minded  people,  many  of  them  Government  employees,  Euro- 
peans, and  others,  kept  the  movement  alive,  and  in  igii  another 
fairly  strong  movement  had  again  been  organised  throughout 
the  island.  Then  came  the  Excise  Commission  Report  and  the 
determination  of  the  Government  to  force  upon  the  people  some 
1,200  toddy  shops,  and  the  opening  of  a Government  distillery. 
The  people  being  now  better  organised,  immediately  opposed 
the  action  of  the  Government  with  great  determination,  and  while 
they  have  not  yet  succeeded  in  getting  the  toddy  licences  pro- 
hibited, they  have  succeeded  in  stopping  the  establishment  of 
Government  distilleries. 

Then  followed  the  most  extraordinary  action  ever  taken  by 
British  representatives  in  reference  to  Temperance.  Amending 
the  General  Orders  to  Government  Servants  the  Ceylon  Govern- 
ment issued  a circular  dated  May  2nd,  1913,  the  terms  of  which 
were  as  follows  : — 

“ (i)  Any  public  servant  who  wishes  to  join  a Temperance 
“ or  Total  Abstinence  Society  must  first  obtain  the  permission 
“ of  the  Head  of  his  Department. 

“ (2)  If  permission  is  accorded  it  will  be  on  the  express  con- 
“ dition  that  the  officer  takes  no  part  In  the  management  of  the 
“ Society,  and  that  he  does  not  attend  public  meetings  organised 
‘ ‘ Ijy  the  Society. 


174 


“ (3)  Permission  to  join  such  societies  should  not  be  given 
“to  administrative  officers,  such  as  head-men.’’ 

A wild  outburst  of  protest  arose  both  in  Ceylon  and  in  Great 
Britain  against  this  action  of  the  Ceylon  Government.  Letters 
and  resolutions  of  protest  were  sent  to  Mr.  Harcourt,  Secretary 
of  State  for  the  Colonies,  in  large  numbers.  Questions  were 
asked  in  Parliament,  and  everything  that  was  possible  was  done 
to  get  the  Order  annulled.  On  June  iith,  Mr.  John  Newton, 
Secretary  of  the  Native  Races  and  the  Liquor  Traffic  United 
Committee,  who  had  done  so  much  to  oppose  the  Order,  received 
a cablegram  from  Dr.  Fernando,  of  Colombo,  stating  that  the 
Ceylon  Government  had  unconditionally  withdrawn  the  Order 
prohibiting  Government  officials  and  village  head-men  from 
belonging  to  Temperance  Societies.  On  June  i6th,  the  Secretary 
of  State  for  the  Colonies  wrote  to  Mr.  Newton,  confirming  the 
reported  withdrawal  of  the  obnoxious  order.  This  was  a great 
victory  for  the  Temperance  organisations,  but  it  is  to  be  feared 
that  much  harm  has  been  done  to  the  movement  in  Ceylon, 
which  will  take  some  years  to  rectify. 

In  1870  there  were  about  1,500  general  liquor  licences  in 
the  Island,  and  with  the  approval  of  the  Governor  (the  late  Sir 
William  Gregory),  is  was  determined  to  make  a gradual  re- 
duction in  the  number,  and  Sir  M’est  Ridgway,  who  was  ap- 
pointed Governor  in  1895,  warmly  approved  of  this  reduction, 
so  that  the  number  of  licences  issued  fell  to  about  1,000,  and  in 
1911  they  had  still  further  been  reduced  to  about  850.  This 
action  on  the  part  of  the  Government  was  heartily  approved  by 
every  section  of  the  community.  In  1911  a sudden  change  was 
proposed  which  in  1912  culminated  in  an  .Act  passing  through 
the  Legislative  Council,  permitting  the  opening  of  1,600  new 
Toddy  liquor  shops.  .A  general  outburst  of  indignation  arose 
throughout  the  island,  but  in  spite  of  all  the  opposition,  both  in 
Ceylon  and  in  Great  Britain,  some  1,200  of  these  todd}'  licences 
were  issued.  Over  4,500  Buddhist  priests — practically  the  whole 
priesthood  of  the  island — petitioned  the  Secretary  of  State  (Mr. 
Harcourt)  to  save  them  and  their  people  from  the  curse  of 
drunkenness,  and  in  several  of  the  memorials  sent  to  the  Govern- 
ment were  words  to  this  effect  : — “ Our  prayer  to  our  Christian 
Governors  is  ‘ Lead  us  not  into  temptation.’  ’’  Such  an  appeal 
surely  ought  not  to  fall  upon  deaf  ears. 

The  fact  that  between  80  and  90  per  cent,  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Ceylon  are  by  religion  total  abstainers,  made  the  issue  of  these 
licences  totally  unnecessary,  and  subsequent  events  proved  that 
thev  could  not  be  successfully  conducted  in  a large  number  of 


175 


places.  The  liquor  party  at  first  thought  no  doubt  that  it  would 
be  a good  speculation  to  secure  these  toddy  licences,  and  they 
accordingly  bid  high  for  the  licences,  but  the  people,  led  by  their 
priests,  frequently  determined  not  to  let,  lease,  or  to  sell  any 
land  or  buildings  for  the  opening  of  these  new  liquor  shops,  with 
the  result  that  great  obstacles  were  placed  in  the  way  of  this 
extension  of  the  liquor  traffic.  Masses  of  the  people  also  as- 
sembled in  public  meeting  and  pledged  themselves  not  to  touch 
toddy  or  to  have  anything  to  do  with  the  new  toddy  liquor  shops. 
The  Government  really  forced  these  liquor  shops  upon  many  of 
the  villages,  in  some  places  appropriating  Crown  land  for  this 
purpose,  in  others  taking  a piece  of  road  reservation,  and  in  one 
instance  where  these  things  could  not  be  done,  a portion  of  a 
burial-ground  was  acquired,  to  the  profound  disgust  of  the 
inhabitants. 

That  the  Government  made  a great  blunder  is  shown  by  the 
fact  that  in  a number  of  cases  the  persons  who  purchased  the 
licences  have  had  to  surrender  them,  because  they  could  not  sell 
enough  toddy  to  make  it  a paying  concern.  In  these  cases  the 
licences  have  been  put  up  to  auction  again  and  re-sold  for  enor- 
mous reductions  upon  the  original  offers.  In  one  issue  of  the 
Ceylon  Government  Gazette  (30th  August,  1912),  no  less  than  87 
of  these  surrendered  licences  were  advertised  for  re-sale,  a clear 
proof  that  they  were  not  required  by  the  people.  But  if  additional 
evidence  was  needed  this  is  forthcoming  in  the  prices  obtained 
at  the  re-sale.  In  Udagaha  North,  Western  Province,  eight 
toddy  licences  were  sold  in  May,  1912,  for  1,590  rupees  (;^io6 
or  $530).  The  purchaser  having  done  so  little  business  that  he 
could  not  continue  to  pay  this  amount,  the  licence  was  re-sold  in 
January,  1913,  for  the  unexpired  five  months,  for  50  rupees  only 
(;i^3  6s.  8d.  or  $16.66).  In  Udagaha  South  eight  licences,  and  in 
Kottawa  four  licences,  were  re-sold  at  the  same  price.  In  many 
other  places  similar  results  and  prices  obtained. 

In  1912  (July  22nd)  a large  and  influential  deputation  from 
the  Native  Races  and  the  Liquor  Traffic  United  Committee, 
waited  upon  the  Secretary  of  State  for  the  Colonies  (Mr.  Har- 
court),  and  presented  a memorial  in  reference  to  the  terrible 
state  of  things  in  Ceylon.  Sir  Herbert  Roberts,  Bart.,  M.P. , 
introduced  the  deputation,  and  two  remarkable  addresses  were 
delivered,  one  by  Dr.  H.  M.  Fernando,  of  Colombo,  who  repre- 
sented the  Low  Country  Products  Association,  of  Ceylon,  and 
the  other  by  Mr.  D.  B.  Jayatilaka  B.A.,  late  Principal  of  the 
Buddhist  College  at  Colombo.  Dr.  Fernando  said  : — 

“ During  the  last  thirty  years  excise  reform  has  been  at- 
“ tempted  on  three  distinct  occasions.  In  every  instance  the 


176 


“ solution  of  the  problem  has  been  left  to  the  ingenuity  of  a 
“ Government  official  who  has  invariably  furnished  a report  and 
“ formulated  suggestions.  The  questions  involved  have  never 
“ been  thrashed  out  by  a representative  committee  of  official  and 
“ unofficial  members  working  together.  No  evidence  has  been 
“ taken  from  unofficial  sources.  The  wholesale  dumping  of 
“ toddy  shops  throughout  the  country,  with  a suddenness  and 
“ secrecy  almost  dramatic,  at  a time  when  the  Excise  Bill  was 
“ being  considered  in  the  local  legislature,  has  created  a pro- 
“ found  sensation  in  the  Colony.  More  than  twenty  meetings 
“ have  been  held  at  various  centres,  which  were  followed  by  a 
“ monster  meeting  in  Colombo,  to  which  delegates  were  sent 
“ from  the  provincial  towns.  At  all  these  meetings  strongly- 
“ worded  resolutions  condemning  the  establishment  of  the  toddy 
“ shops  have  been  passed  unanimously.  Speaking  from  an 
“ experience  of  over  thirty  years  I can  most  emphatically  assert 
“ that  never  before  in  the  Island  has  a Government  policy  re- 
“ ceived  such  widespread  condemnation  and  disapproval.” 

Mr.  Jayatilaka  said  : — 

” I have  the  honour  to  represent  the  views  and  interests  of 
‘‘  the  Buddhists  of  Ce3don,  who  form  the  bulk  of  the  people  of 
‘‘  the  Island.  In  reference  to  Excise  reform,  we  hold  that  the 
” Government  has  not  set  about  this  important  task  in  the  right 
‘‘  way.  No  question  of  such  vital  importance  to  ever}'  member 
‘‘  of  the  community  has  been  before  the  Government  in  recent 
‘‘  times.  But  at  no  stage  of  its  long  course  of  investigations  and 
‘‘  deliberations  did  the  Government  take  the  people  fully  into  its 
‘‘confidence.  It  ignored  public  opinion  and  showed  itself  very 
‘‘  impatient  and  intolerant  of  all  the  criticism  and  opposition  to 
‘‘  any  part  of  the  scheme.  It  is  now  clear  that  the  Government 
‘‘  has  miscalculated  the  strength  and  misunderstood  the  origin 
‘‘  and  character  of  that  opposition.  In  reference  to  the  estab- 
‘‘  lishment  of  arrack  distilleries,  we  view  this  proposal  with 
‘‘  serious  alarm.  If  the  Government  embarks  upon  this  enter- 
‘‘  prise*  the  step  is  bound  to  have  the  serious  effect  of  lowering 
‘‘  the  dignity  and  prestige  of  the  British  Government  in  the  eyes 
‘‘  of  our  people.  In  this  connection  it  must  be  remembered  that 
‘‘  Ceylon  is  a Buddhist  country.  It  mav  be  aptly  described  as 
‘‘  the  home  of  Buddhism.  Now  Buddhism,  strict!}'  speaking, 
‘‘prohibits  the  use  of  all  intoxicants;  more  than  that,  it  con- 
‘‘  demns  as  a low,  vicious,  and  unrighteous  occupation  the  manu- 
‘‘  facture  and  sale  of  any  kind  of  intoxicating  drink  or  drug.  This 
‘‘  principle  was  strictly  obser^-ed  by  the  Sinhalese  Kings  of  old, 

‘‘  not  one  of  whom  ever  had  anything  to  do,  directly  or  indirectly, 

‘‘  with  the  manufacture  or  sale  of  liquor.  These  facts  of  history 
‘‘  are  remembered  by  our  people,  and  it  will  give  a very  severe 


This  proposal  was  vetoed  by  the  Colonial  Secrelar}'. 


‘ shock  indeed  to  the  ideas  which  they  habitually  associate  with 
‘ the  duties  of  sovereignty  if  they  ever  find  ihe  British  Govern- 
‘ ment  has  established  distilleries  of  its  own  for  the  manufacture 
‘ of  arrack.  Every  act  of  Government  is  generally  regarded 
‘ by  our  people  as  an  expression  of  the  King’s  will  and  pleasure 
‘ carried  into  execution  by  his  servants.  Such  being  the  case, 
‘ what  the  moral  effect  of  this  proposal  will  be  if  it  is  really  car- 
‘ ried  out,  can  be  easily  imagined.  For  one  thing,  it  will  most 
‘ certainly  impair  those  feelings  of  personal  attachment,  devo- 
‘ tion  and  reverence  with  which  our  people  have  ever  been  used 
‘ to  look  up  to  the  British  Throne  as  the  fountain  head  of  all 
‘ that  is  good  and  noble,  and  the  source  of  everything  that  is 
‘ calculated  to  promote  the  well-being  of  those  who  owe  allegi- 
‘ ance  to  it. 

“ In  reference  to  the  omission  of  any  scheme  of  local  option, 
‘ I respectfully  submit  that  no  scheme  of  Excise  reform  which 
‘ really  aims  at  the  promotion  of  sobriety  can  ever  attain  this 
‘ object  unless  our  people  themselves  are  associated  in  its 
‘ working.  Of  course,  official  attitude  is  dead  against  such  a 
‘ proposal.  They  tell  us  over  and  over  again  that  no  such  thing 
‘ as  local  option  is  possible  in  Ceylon.  With  all  due  deference, 
‘ I venture  to  say  that  that  opinion  is  entirely  wrong,  and  can 
‘ only  be  explained  as  the  offspring  of  that  prejudice,  so  habitual 
‘ to  the  official  mind  in  Eastern  lands,  which  maintains  the  view 
‘ that  Orientals  must  be  treated  like  little  children  to  the  end  of 
‘ all  time.  But,  sir,  the  people  of  Ceylon,  both  Sinhalese  and 
‘ Tamils,  are  not  just  emerging  from  a state  of  barbarism  into 
‘ civilisation.  They  have  behind  them  an  historic  past,  great 
‘ in  achievement,  of  which  an)?  nation  may  well  be  proud.  Cen- 
‘ turies  before  the  arrival  of  the  Europeans,  there  was  in  the 
‘ Island  a regular  and  settled  form  of  government,  under  which 
‘ the  people  enjoyed  some  measure  of  local  self-government. 
‘ The  village  councils  and  tribunals,  which  exist  even  to-day, 
‘ are  the  survivals  of  that  ancient  system.  It  is  scarcel}?  rea- 
‘ sonable  to  hold  that  those  who  inherit  such  traditions  are 
‘ utterly  incapable  of  exercising  their  judgment  in  a matter 
‘ closely  affecting  their  material  and  moral  welfare. 

“ Our  religion,  our  traditions,  our  habits  and  customs  are 
‘ all  opposed  to  this  alien  vice  It  can,  therefore,  be  checked 
‘ only  by  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the  people  with  the  Govern- 
‘ ment.  But  such  co-operation  is  possible  only  if  some  responsi- 
‘ billty  is  thrown  on  the  community,  and  the  people  are  given 
‘ some  definite  controlling  influence  over  the  liquor  traffic.  The 
‘ adoption  of  a liberal  measure  of  local  option  will  undoubtedly 
‘ result  in  the  gradual  reduction  of  the  revenue  from  this  source ; 
‘ but  whatever  loss  may  be  incurred  will  be  repaid  tenfold  by  the 
‘ decrease  of  crime  and  by  the  increase  of  the  prosperity  and 
‘ happiness  of  the  people.  We  appeal  to  you,  therefore,  to  give 
‘ our  people  the  right  to  defend  themselves  against  this  curse 


178 


“ which,  if  not  checked  now,  will  in  the  not  distant  future  repro- 
“ duce  in  our  country,  perhaps  in  a more  virulent  form,  many  of 
“ those  evils  which  have  become  the  despair  of  the  social  re- 
“ former  in  these  Western  lands.” 

Mr.  Harcourt’s  reply  to  the  deputation  was  sympathetic, 
but  while,  unfortunately,  he  refused  to  advise  His  Majesty  the 
King  to  disallow  the  new  Excise  Law,  he  declared  in  favour  of 
Local  Option.  In  a letter  to  Sir  H.  E.  McCallum,  the  Governor 
of  Ceylon,  under  date  of  26th  July,  1912,  he  said  : — 

‘‘  You  will  observe  that  several  members  of  the  deputation 
‘‘  urged  that  some  form  of  ‘ local  option  ’ should  be  introduced 
” in  connection  with  the  issue  of  licences.  I note  that  this  sub- 
‘‘  ject  was  discussed  at  length  by  the  Select  Committee  of  the 
‘‘  Legislative  Council  which  considered  the  draft  of  the  Ordi- 
‘‘  nance,  and  that  the  Committee  has  placed  on  record  certain 
‘‘  recommendations  for  the  guidance  of  the  officers  entrusted 
‘‘  with  the  framing  of  rules  under  Section  31  (2)  (b).  These 
‘‘  recommendations,  however,  are  only  to  the  effect  that  the 
” licensing  officer  should  consult  certain  recognised  public  bodies 
” and  should  afford  an  opportunity  for  the  residents  of  the 
” locality  concerned  to  place  their  views  before  him.  It  appears 
‘‘  to  me,  how’ever,  that  it  is  most  desirable  that  the  issue  of 
‘‘  licences  should  be  placed  more  directly  under  the  control  of 
” public  opinion  than  is  contemplated  in  these  recommendations. 
” I am  strongly  of  opinion  that  the  proper  course  to  adopt  is  to 
” provide,  by  the  rules  framed  under  the  Ordinance,  for  the 
” establishment  of  Licensing  Boards  in  each  Province,  or  possi- 
” bly  in  each  district,  by  whose  advice  the  Government  Agent 
‘‘  or  other  licensing  officer  will  be  guided  in  deciding  whether 
‘‘  or  not  to  issue  a licence  for  any  arrack  or  toddy  shop.  I attach 
” great  importance  to  this  matter,  and  I should  be  glad  if  you 
” would  devise  as  soon  as  possible,  a scheme  for  giving  effect 
‘‘  to  this  suggestion.” 

The  Governor  of  Ceylon  opposed  the  establishment  of 
Licensing  Boards,  with  the  result  that  Mr.  Harcourt  agreed,  in 
October,  1912  ; ‘‘  That,  in  the  first  instance,  the  Boards  should 
possess  merely  advisory  powders,”  which  is  a very  small  conces- 
sion, and  under  the  present  officials  will  in  all  probability  be 
rendered  of  still  smaller  effect.  The  principle  has,  however, 
been  admitted,  and  under  a more  enlightened  Governor  and 
Legislative  Council  it  will,  we  hope,  be  brought  into  full  opera- 
tion, to  the  betterment  and  happiness  of  the  people. 


CHAPTER  V 


Burma,  Cochin  China,  Siam  and  Tibet 

“ The  State  in  ancient  days  thought  it  its  duty  to  put  down  wine-drinking' 
as  much  as  to  put  down  adultery,  theft,  murder  and  all  the  other  classes  of 
crime.  The  effect  of  this  religious  prohibition  was  that  the  country  was 
remarkabl}'  free  from  the  vice  of  intemperance.  Occasional  references  are 
made  in  old  literature  to  the  evils  of  intemperance.  These  narrations  point 
a moral,  and  teach  by  the  citations  of  examples  how  ruin  is  brought  about 
by  the  violation  of  drastic  rules.  And  when  we  read  of  some  Pauranika 
personages  indulging  in  prohibited  drinks,  we  have  to  remember  the 
revealed  teaching  ; only  their  good  deeds  should  find  imitation,  not  their  bad 
ones.” 

Mahamahopadkyaya  Pandit  Adityaram  Bhattacharya,  HI.  A.,  Chairman 
of  the  Reception  Committee,  All-India  Temperance  Conference  ( 1905.) 


The  great  mass  of  the  people  throughout  Burma,  Cochin 
China,  Siam  and  Tibet  are  followers  of  Buddha,  and  therefore 
total  abstainers.  Probably  throughout  Asia  there  are  more  than 
500,000,000  Buddhists,  and  every  effort  is  made  by  the  priests 
to  maintain  the  principles  upon  which  their  religion  is  founded, 
which  are  : Self  conquest  and  universal  charity.  The  following 
short  extract  from  the  Buddhist  Scripture  will  give  some  idea  of 
the  teachings  of  Buddhism  : — 

“ (i)  To  serve  wise  men,  and  not  to  serve  fools,  to  give 
“ honour  to  whom  honour  is  due.  (2)  To  dwell  in  a pleasant 
“ land,  to  have  done  good  deeds  in  a former  birth,  to  have  right 
“ desires  for  one’s  self.  (3)  Much  insight  and  much  education, 
“ a complete  training  and  pleasant  speech.  (4)  To  succour 
“ father  and  mother,  to  cherish  wife  and  child,  to  follow  a 
“ peaceful  calling.  (5)  To  give  alms  and  live  righteously, 
“ to  help  one’s  relatives,  and  do  blameless  deeds.  (6)  To 
“ cease  and  abstain  from  sin,  to  eschew  strong  drink,  not 
“to  be  weary  in  well  doing.  (7)  Reverence  and  lowli- 
“ ness,  contentment  and  gratitude,  the  regular  hearing  of  the 
“ law.  (8)  To  be  long  suffering  and  meek,  to  associate  with 
“ members  of  the  Sangha,  religious  talk  at  due  seasons,  (g) 
“ Temperance  and  chastity,  a conviction  of  four  great  truths, 
“ the  hope  of  Nirvana.  (10)  A mind  unshaken  by  the  things  of 
“ the  world,  without  anguish  or  passion,  and  secure,  (ii)  They 
“ that  act  like  this  arc  invincible  on  every  side,  on  every  side  they 
“ walk  in  safety,  and  theirs  is  the  greatest  blessing.’’ 

At  the  first  Universal  Races  Congress,  held  in  London, 
July,  1911,  Mr.  C.  A-  Hewairtarne  (Ceylon)  declared  ; — 


180 


“ Buddhist  civilisation  uplifted  the  lower  civilisations  that 
“ it  came  in  contact  with;  it  was  strange  the  European  civilisa- 
“ tion  had  had  a contrary  effect.  The  effect  of  European  civili- 
“ sation  for  two  centuries  was  fearful  to  relate.  European 
“ civilisation  was  bent  on  subjugating  the  so-called  inferior  races, 
“ and  wherever  they  stood  in  its  way  they  were  exterminated. 
“ either  by  the  sword,  or,  what  was  worse,  by  the  insidious 
“ poison  of  the  liquor  it  introduced.  The  success  of  Buddhist 
“civilisation  on  backward  races  was  due  to  two  factors:  first, 
“ in  the  spread  of  Buddhism  there  was  no  ultimate  desire  to  get 
“ possession  of  the  country,  or  to  exploit  the  inhabitants  for 
“ selfish  purposes,  but  the  missionaries  only  desired  to  uplift 
“ them  from  their  ignorance;  and,  secondly,  wherever  Buddhism 
“ was  preached  the  use  of  intoxicants  and  narcotics  was  for- 
“ bidden.  Such  being  the  case,  it  seemed  deplorable  that  there 
“should  be  so  much  prejudice  against  the  Asiatic.” 

Burma. — Although  for  political  considerations  Burma  is 
part  of  the  Indian  Empire,  for  all  other  purposes  it  is  an  entirely 
independent  nation.  In  religion  the  Burmese  are  followers  of 
Buddha;  neither  Christianity  nor  Mohammedanism  has  made 
much  progress,  although  there  are  a number  of  Christians  and 
Mohammedans  in  the  capital  and  the  principal  ports.  The 
Burmese  are  stated  to  be  a well-educated  people,  the  Buddhist 
monks  undertaking  the  work  of  education.  One  of  the  chief 
points  of  the  education  is  to  warn  young  people  never  to  use  any 
kind  of  intoxicants.  On  the  annexation  of  Upper  Burma,  in 
1886,  the  strong  Temperance  principles  of  the  people  were  recog- 
nised by  the  Government  of  India,  for  in  a despatch  to  the 
Secretary  of  State,  under  date  October,  1886,  giving  instruc- 
tions to  civil  officers,  it  is  stated  : — 

“ Burmese  of  all  classes,  monks  and  laity,  very  strongly  wish 
“ that  drinking  shops  and  the  habit  of  drinking  should  be  dis- 
“ couraged  in  Upper  Burma.  In  the  time  of  the  late  King,  traffic 
“ in  liquor  was  altogether  forbidden.  No  doubt  there  is  some 
“ making  and  drinking  of  toddy,  of  rice  beer,  and  even  of  spirits 
“ in  Burman  villages.  But  the  sense  of  the  better  classes  is 
“ against  the  practice.  No  revenue  was  ever  raised  by  the  late 
“ King  from  liquor,  lest  he  should  seem  to  be  encouraging  evil. 
“ And  under  the  circumstances,  it  seems  expedient  to  meet  the 
“ wishes  of  the  people  by  declining  for  the  present  to  licence 
“drinking  shops.” 

Unfortunately,  the  wishes  of  the  “ Burmese  of  all  classes, 
monks  and  laity,”  were  not  long  respected,  and  it  was  decided 
to  licence  shops  for  the  sale  of  fermented  liquors  and  spirits  “ to 
Europeans,  Indians  and  Chinese.”  The  Burmese  were  pro- 
hibited from  purchasing  liquors  and  it  was  rnade  a punishable 


181 


offence  for  the  holder  of  a licence  to  sell  liquors  to  Burmese 
Although  this  is  the  law  to-day,  in  a very  short  time  from  the 
opening  of  the  liquor  shops  the  Burmese  who  required  the  liquor 
could  get  whatever  quantity  they  wanted.  A Government  report 
issued  in  1893  showed  the  futility  of  attempting  to  shield  the 
people  from  the  temptation  to  drink  when  once  they  had  estab- 
lished the  liquor  shops  in  their  midst.  This  report  stated  : — 

“ The  licences  for  the  sale  of  liquor  are  intended  for  the 
“ convenience  of  the  non-Burman  population  of  Upper  Burma, 
“ and  the  sale  of  either  liquor  (except  tari)  or  opium  to  Burmans 
“ is  prohibited  by  law.  But  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  pro- 
“ hibition  is  in  practice  inoperative.” 

Within  a very  few  years  of  the  opening  of  the  liquor  shops 
among  these  people,  the  Government  went  a step  further,  and 
where  there  had  always  been  the  strongest  opposition  to  the 
manufacture  of  any  kind  of  intoxicant,  there  were  established  a 
number  of  distilleries  for  the  wholesale  manufacture  of  spirits. 
No  wonder  the  leaders  of  the  Burmans  ‘‘view  any  attempt  to  con- 
vert the  natives  to  the  Christian  or  any  other  foreign  faith  as  an 
interference  with  their  allegiance.”  They  saw  their  Christian 
rulers  not  only  introducing  alcoholic  liquors  and  opium  among 
their  people,  but  actually  manufacturing  spirits  and  licensing 
shops  for  the  sale  of  both  poisons  throughout  their  country.” 


The  Rev.  W.  R.  Winston,  of  Mandalay,  Upper  Burma, 
writing  in  1892,  said  : — 

‘‘  On  the  annexation  of  Upper  Burma  the  British  found  the 
‘‘  fifth  commandment  of  the  Buddhist  religion,  ‘ Thou  shalt  not 
‘‘  take  anything  that  intoxicates,’  was  the  law  of  the  land,  and 
‘‘  the  only  law  on  the  subject  the  Burmans  had  ever  known.  Bad 
‘‘  as  Burmese  rule  was,  corrupt,  weak,  and  worn  out,  and  badly 
‘‘  in  want  of  funds,  it  never  sunk  so  low  as  to  derive  revenue 
‘‘  from  the  sale  of  licences.  Now,  observe  how  we  have  pro- 
‘‘ grossed  with  this  business  during  the  past  few  years  of  our 
‘‘rule.  The  Excise  revenue  from  liquor  and  opium  licences  is 
‘‘  advancing  by  leaps  and  bounds.” 

The  Excise  Revenue  returns  show  the  amount  received  from 
liquor  and  opium  licences  to  be  as  follows  : — 


Year.  Rupees. 

1891-2  4,307,029  287,135 

1911-12  7,687,214  512,481 

Increase  

in  20  years  Rs.  3, 380, 185 


U435.675 

2,562,405 


^^225,346  $1,126,730 

Mr.  W.  S.  Caine,  who  visited  Burma  in  1897,  said  : — 

‘‘  On  the  wTiole  the  Burmans  appear  to  me  to  be  the  soberest 
and  most  abstinent  of  all  the  peoples  of  India,  and  if  it  were  not 


1S2 


“ for  Europeans  and  Chinese,  the  Government  might  close  every 
“ liquor  and  opium  shop  in  the  province  without  a murmur  from 
“ any  Burman.  The  drinking,  however,  among  Englishmen  and 
“ Europeans  generally  is  appalling  in  its  quantity.” 

To-day,  however,  numbers  of  Burmese  drink. 

Strange  as  it  may  appear,  but  side  by  side  with  the  opening 
of  the  liquor  and  opium  shops  by  one  set  of  Europeans,  who 
happened  to  be  Government  officials.  Temperance  and  Anti- 
Opium  Societies  were  commenced  by  another  set  of  Europeans, 
who  were  conscious  of  a deep  wrong  being  inflicted  upon  these 
people.  The  Good  Templars  and  the  W.W.C.T.U.  were  early 
in  the  country,  forming  local  branches  and  Temperance  Societies 
that  they  might  do  something  to  stem  the  evils  of  alcohol  and 
opium.  These  organisations  have  been  able,  no  doubt,  to  do 
much  to  prevent  the  unrestrained  spread  of  the  traffic  and  to 
bring  about  some  few  reforms. 

The  introduction  of  barmaids  was  soon  found  to  be  a great 
inducement  for  drinking  and  immorality.  In  1898  the  various 
Societies,  together  with  The  Rangoon  Gazette,  took  up  the  case 
of  an  Australian  barmaid  in  Penang  who  went  to  the  police  on 
the  second  day  after  her  arrival,  saying  that  upon  her  advent 
into  her  position  she  was  told  to  drink  and  lead  an  immoral  life. 
Strong  feelings  were  aroused  by  this  exposure  in  the  public  press, 
and  the  Government  were  compelled  to  appoint  a Committee  to 
inquire  into  the  matter,  with  the  result  that  the  liquor  shops, 
which  had  been  permitted  to  remain  open  day  and  night,  were 
ordered  to  close  at  i a.m.,  and  all  employees,  tc^ether  with 
soldiers,  were  prohibited  from  being  served  with  liquor,  the 
penalty  being  the  forfeiture  of  the  licence.  But  this  did  not  have 
the  desired  effect,  the  law  was  continually  being  broken.  A 
demand  was  therefore  made  for  the  prohibition  of  the  employ- 
ment of  all  barmaids.  The  result  was  a great  victory  for  the 
Temperance  organisations,  for  in  igoi  a notification  was  pub- 
lished in  the  official  Burma  Gazette  to  the  following  effect  : — 

‘‘  In  exercise  of  the  power  conferred  by  Clause  (d)  Section 
‘‘  65  of  the  Excise  Act  (XII.  of  1896),  the  Financial  Commis- 
” sioner  directs  that  the  following  conditions  shall  be  made  to 
” licence  form  VII.  : That  no  female  he  employed  in  any  capacity 
whatever  within  the  premises  of  the  bar.” 

This  was  the  commencement  of  a reform  which  eventually 
extended  to  the  other  provinces  of  India. 

The  next  step  was  to  close  all  liquor  shops  from  12  to  6 a.m. . 
and  the  District  Magistrates  issued  circulars  to  all  the  liquor 
sellers  warning  them  that  in  the  event  of  employees  drinking  or 


183 


houses  being  opened  during  prohibited  hours,  or  selling  to 
soldiers,  the  penalty  would  be  revocation  of  licencs  and  confis- 
cation of  goods. 

In  1911  the  District  Magistrates  throughout  Burma  were 
instructed  by  the  Lower  Burma  Chief  Court  and  the  Judicial 
Commissioner  of  Upper  Burma,  to  bring  to  the  notice  of  the 
Excise  Commissioner  in  Burma  all  cases  wherein  intoxicating 
liquor  has  been  the  cause  of,  or  contributed  to,  crime.  The 
Excise  Authorities  are  then  to  proceed  to  trace  the  origin  of  the 
supply  of  liquor,  in  order  to  take  action  against  the  vendor  in 
cases  of  breach  of  his  licence,  or,  if  illicitly  sold,  with  a view  of 
suppressing  the  sale  of  such  liquor. 

The  statement  showing  convictions  for  drunkenness  in 
Municipal  and  non-Municipal  areas  in  which  convictions  have 
been  recorded  are  very  incomplete,  and  yet  they  show  an  alarm- 
ing increase  during  the  three  years  ending  1912.  The  total  con- 
victions for  drunkenness  are  reported  to  be  as  follows  : — 
1909-10,  2,495;  1910-11,  3,188;  1911-12,  3,618;  being  a propor- 
tion to  10,000  of  the  population  as  follows 20.68,  26.43, 
and  29.92. 

In  the  last  report  of  the  Excise  Administration  in  Burma  it 
is  stated  : — 

“ That  a new  Excise  Act  was  needed  for  Burma,  and  a Bill, 
“ drafted  to  this  end  in  consultation  with  the  Inspector-General 
“of  Excise,  is  now  under  consideration,”  and  that  “enquiries 
“ seem  to  establish  the  view'  that  more  violent  crimes  are  due  lu 
“ the  consumption  of  illicit  liquor  than  of  liquor  sold  from 
“ licensed  shops,  and  Sir  Harvey  Adamson  shares  the  Financial 
“ Commissioner’s  opinion  that  more  shops  are  required  in  the 
“ Pakokku  District.  The  licensing  of  shops  in  areas  w'here 
“ illicit  production  of  liquor  is  prevalent  is  in  consonance  with 
“ the  Excise  policy  of  Government  and  it  behoves  District 
“ Officers  to  consider  carefully  the  adequacy  of  existing  facili- 
“ ties  in  such  areas  and  to  initiate  proposals  for  their  increase 
“ where  their  insufficiency  is  clearly  established.” 

The  Government,  knowing  and  admitting  the  fact  when  the 
country  was  annexed,  that  “Burmans  of  all  classes,  monks  and 
laity,”  were  opposed  to  the  liquor  traffic,  and  to  meet  their 
wishes,  licensed  drinking  shops  were  not  at  that  time  to  be  per- 
mitted, it  is  simply  diabolical  to  teach  these  people  to  drink 
alcoholic  liquors,  and  gradually  and  persistently  to  increase  the 
temptations  among  them.  The  people  have  no  voice  in  the 
matter;  local  option,  which  they  continue  to  demand,  is  refused, 
because  it  is  feared  they  would  adopt  entire  Prohibition,  and 
thus  remove  one  of  the  chief  sources  of  revenue. 


184 


Mr.  James  D.  Neilage,  of  Ouseen,  Burma,  under  date  Feb- 
ruary 2nd,  1913,  writes  : — 

“ Ninety  per  cent,  of  the  drunkards  here  are  Christians, 
“ while  of  the  Buddhists,  Mohammedans,  and  Parsees, — non- 
“ Christian,  95  per  cent,  are  life  abstainers.  Of  the  Hindus 
“ 80  per  cent,  are  abstainers,  the  percentages  being  lowered  by 
“the  Pariahs  or  outcastes  Hindus,  who  are,  to  all  intents  and 
“ purposes,  Christians.  We  have  a population  of  some  thirteen 
“ millions  in  Burma,  of  which  not  more  than  fifty  thousand 
“ are  Christians,  and  of  that  fifty  thousand  not  more  than  five 
“ thousand  are  abstainers — if  that.  That  is  why  we  have  no 
“ legislative  enactments  curbing  the  liquor  curse  for  many  years. 
“ The  educated  Hindu  and  Buddhist  laugh  at  Christians  chatter- 
“ ing  about  Temperance,  while  Christians  import  every  gallon 
“ of  grog  that  comes  to  the  country,  and  drink  90  per  cent,  of 
“ it.  They  tell  us  plainly,  ‘ your  talk  of  trying  to  get  the  liquor 
“ traffic  put  down  is  rank  and  ugly  hypocrisy.’  This  is  why  no 
progress  is  made  as  far  as  law  is  concerned — but — there  is  a 
“ decided  improvement  in  the  drinking  habits  of  the  country — 
“ the  result  of  reading  and  education  on  the  subject,  in  which 
“ Good  Templary  has  done  a little,  and  the  fact  that  where  firms 
“ can  get  abstainers  they  won’t  keep  drunkards — it  does  not  pay. 
“ If  we  could  remove  all  the  Christians  from  Burma  we  would 
“ have  Prohibition  in  six  months.’’ 

Cochin  Chin.\. — The  Eastern  division  of  the  Indo-Chinese 
peninsular  named  Cochin  China  consists  of  the  territories  of 
Annam,  Cambodia,  Laos,  Tong-king,  and  the  French  Colony  of 
Cochin  China.  The  Empire  of  Annam  dates  back  to  about  2,400 
years  before  the  Christian  era,  but  from  no  b.c.  until  907  a.d. 
the  country  was  under  the  government  of  Chinese  Governors. 
By  revolution  this  was  changed,  and  from  960  a.d.  the  govern- 
ment has  again  been  in  the  hands  of  a native  dynasty.  Buddhism 
is  the  popular  creed,  although  a large  number  of  the  most 
learned  people  hold  the  doctrine  of  Confucius.  In  either  case, 
the  followers  of  Buddha,  Confucius,  or  Mahomet  are  total  ab- 
stainers and  opposed  to  the  importation  and  manufacture  of  all 
intoxicants.  This  may  also  be  said  of  the  people  of  the  king- 
doms of  Cambodia  and  Laos,  which  are  ruled  by  native  kings. 
Tong-king',  and  the  non-Christian  population  of  Cochin  China. 
On  the  borders  of  Cochin  China  are  a tribe  called  the  Chams,  a 
Mohammedan  people,  stated  to  be  of  Arab  origin,  who,  in  spite 
of  their  inter-marriage  with  the  Chinese,  preserve  the  war-like 
qualities  of  their  ancestors,  maintaining  a gay  and  open  charac- 
ter, together  with  a strict  abstinence  from  the  use  of  intoxicants 
and  theft.  In  1787  a portion  of  Cochin  China  was  ceded  to  the 
French,  and  from  time  to  time  the  territory  has  been  enlarged. 


185 


until  in  i8g8  the  whole  of  the  six  provinces  came  under  entire 
French  control.  With  the  introduction  of  Europeans  into  the 
country,  and  with  the  control  of  the  ports  by  France,  a large  and 
increasing  amount  of  intoxicating  liquors  has  been  imported  into 
the  country,  much  to  the  annoyance  of  the  chiefs,  and  the  injury 
of  the  people.  Apart  from  the  efforts  put  forth  by  the  native 
leaders,  there  does  not  appear  to  be  much  done  to  stem  the  evils 
flowing  from  the  traffic  in  intoxicants,  and  spirits  and  opium  are 
now  among  the  chief  imports,  and  therefore  provide  a large 
revenue  for  the  Government.  The  population  of  the  whole  of 
these  territories  is  estimated  to  be  nearly  17,000,000,  of  which 
about  500,000  are  stated  to  be  Christian. 

Siam. — The  kingdom  of  Siam  embraces  the  greater  part  of 
Indo-Chinese  and  part  of  the  Malay  peninsula.  Buddhism  is  the 
religion  of  the  people,  but  there  have  been  several  disruptions, 
so  that  there  are  several  divisions  of  Buddhists  to-day.  The 
orthodox  Buddhist  must  conform  to  the  total  abstinence  princi- 
ple of  Buddha,  and  this  is  practically  universally  carried  out. 
At  all  functions  where  the  King  and  his  ministers  have  to  pledge 
themselves  to  administer  impartial  justice,  they  take  the  oath  by 
drinking  water.  Similar  action  is  taken  at  all  other  important 
festivals. 

The  laws  of  Siam,  both  civil  and  criminal,  bear  the  impress 
of  Chinese  influence.  In  all  cases  the  evidence  of  drunkards, 
gamblers,  persons  of  bad  character,  and  persons  who  cannot 
read,  is  rejected.  One  reason  accounting  for  a considerable 
amount  of  drunkenness  among  the  people  arises  from  the  intro- 
duction of  spirit  and  demon  worship,  which  has  gained  a con- 
siderable number  of  adherents  in  certain  parts  of  the  country. 
These  pay  homage  to  spirits  and  demons  by  drinking  a large 
quantity  of  intoxicating  liquors. 

Tibet. — Until  very  recently,  Europeans  have  had  great 
difficulty  in  entering  the  country  of  Tibet.  In  fact  very  few  have 
even  yet  penetrated  to  the  great  capital  city  of  the  country, 
Lhasa — the  word  meaning  “God’s  ground.’’  In  1328  Friar 
Odoric  is  reported  to  have  reached  Lhasa.  In  1600  the  Jesuit 
Antonio  Andrada  crossed  Tibet  from  India  to  China.  In  1661 
Fathers  Grueber  and  D’Orville  reached  Lhasa.  In  1774  an 
Englishman,  George  Bogle,  passed  through  a portion  of  the 
Country,  but  Thomas  Manning  was  the  first  Englishman  to 
enter  the  sacred  city,  which  he  did  in  1811.  During  the  whole 
of  the  nineteenth  century  Europeans  were  forbidden  to  enter 
the  country,  although  in  1844  two  French  missionaries.  Fathers 
Hue  and  Gabet,  succeeded  in  reaching  the  city,  but  they  were 
soon  expelled.  Again  in  i860.  Father  Desgodins  travelled  in  a por- 


1S6 


tion  of  the  country,  but  was  prevented  from  approaching  Lhasa. 
Later,  the  Russian  Colonel  Prejevalsky  explored  a portion  of 
the  northern  country,  but  was  unable  to  penetrate  into  the  south. 

In  1906  Sir  Sven  Hedin,  the  Great  Swedish  explorer,  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  into  the  country,  and  remained  there  for  over 
two  years.  He  took  no  alcoholic  liquors  with  him,  and  found 
none,  except  at  one  place.  Sir  Sven  Hedin  discovered  that  every 
point  of  entry  was  watched  more  strongly  than  ever.  “For  two 
and  a half  months,’’  he  says,  “ I had  to  travel  disguised  as  a 
Lama.  This  I did  by  colouring  my  face  and  hands  every  day 
with  Indian  ink.  During  the  latter  part  of  my  journey  I wore 
Tibetan  dress,  travelling  as  a Tibetan  chief.’’  A great  testi- 
mony to  his  Temperance  principles  is  shown  in  the  following 
statement — ■ 

“In  spite  of  the  awful  cold  and  hardships  endured  I only 
“ lost  one  man,  a caravan  leader,  who  died  from  apoplexy.  Per- 
“ sonally  I never  experienced  a day’s  illness.’’ 

Something  of  the  hardships  endured  may  be  imagined  from 
the  following  graphic  account  of  the  journey  given  by  Sir  Sven 
Hedin  himself  : — 

“ During  the  first  year  I travelled  for  no  less  than  eighty- 
“ four  days  without  sight  of  human  beings  apart  from  my  own 
“ companions.  While  in  the  second  year,  for  a period  of  sixty- 
“ four  days  I never  got  a glimpse  of  human  life.  Previous  to 
“ my  expedition  the  whole  country  north  of  the  Brahamaputra 
“ was  a great  white  unexplored  patch;  no  one  had  ever  been 
‘ ‘ there.  ’’ 

The  Government  of  Tibet  is  under  the  Chinese  Government, 
and  a Tibetan  National  .Assembly.  In  1904  difficulties  arose  over 
the  non-fulfilment  of  a Convention  made  between  China  and  Great 
Britain.  .A  mission,  with  a military  escort,  was  therefore  des- 
patched from  India,  to  secure  the  observance  of  the  convention, 
and,  no  doubt  to  open  up  the  country  for  British  trade.  The 
Tibetans  opposed  the  British  with  great  determination,  but  after 
much  fighting,  the  mission  and  the  British  soldiers  entered  Lhasa, 
and  a new  convention  was  signed  for  trade  marts.  Up  to  this 
time  no  intoxicating  liquors  had  ever  been  imported  into  the 
country,  and  so  far  as  is  known,  none  have  ever  been  manufac- 
tured or  sold.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  Chinese  Government 
will  allow  neither  the  British  nor  the  Russian  Governments  to 
import  European  spirits  into  the  country,  and  that  the  old  order 
of  Prohibition  may  be  maintained. 


CHAPTER  VI 


Japan,  Korea  and  Siberia 

“While  the  Temperance  question  in  Japan  has  so  far  been  largely  a 
personal  moral  issue,  the  evils  of  alcohol,  and  the  stirring  news  of  what  is 
transpiring  in  other  parts  of  the  world,  suggested  to  the  Temperance  workers 
the  responsibility  which  lies  upon  the  statesmen  of  Japan  relative  to  this  great 
issue.  Laws  will  have  to  be  adopted  to  suppress  the  curse,  and  to  secure 
this,  political  action  wil  have  to  be  taken.  In  a matter  of  such  great 
importance  the  first  thing  to  think  about  is  the  sobriety  of  our  people  and 
the  safety  of  our  nation.” 

Taro  Ando,  President  Japan  National  Temperance  League,  Tokyo  ( 1906). 


Like  a great  many  of  the  other  Asiatic  nations,  the  religions 
of  Buddha  and  Confucius  are  largely  accepted  by  the  people  of 
Japan  and  Korea,  although  the  so-called  religion  of  Shinto  is 
extensively  followed  by  large  numbers  of  the  inhabitants  of  both 
countries.  Unlike  other  Asiatic  religions,  Shintoism  contains 
no  moral  code.  Motoori  (1730-1801)  the  famous  writer,  declares 
“ That  in  Japan  there  is  no  necessity  for  any  system  of  morals 
for  every  Japanese  acts  right  if  he  only  obeys  his  own  heart.” 
And  again,  ‘‘  The  whole  duty  of  a good  Japanese  consists  in 
obeying  implicitly  and  without  question  the  commands  of  the 
Mikado.”  Both  Buddhism  and  Shintoism  have  been  virtually 
disestablished,  and  the  latter  is  declared  not  to  be  a religion. 
At  present,  however,  there  are  over  80,000  Shinto  priests,  and  the 
Emperor’s  state  visit  to  the  shrines  of  Ise  at  the  close  of  the 
Japanese-Russian  war  has  again  powerfully  influenced  the 
public  mind  in  favour  of  Shintoism.  In  Korea  there  is  no  Gov- 
ernmental interference  with  the  traffic  in  intoxicants,  and  in 
Siberia,  Russian  vodka  holds  full  sway.  The  entire  country 
seems  practically  to  be  in  the  hands  of  the  liquor  traffic. 

Japan. — For  centuries  foreigners  were  not  admitted  to  Japan 
and  the  Christian  religion  was  prohibited.  By  the  revolution  of 
1868  all  this  was  changed.  Full  religious  liberty  was  established 
and  the  country  opened  to  all  who  cared  to  enter.  European  and 
American  traders  have  simply  swarmed  into  the  country,  so  that 
they  have  virtually  Europeanised  and  Americanised  not  only  the 
schools,  the  railways,  the  factories  in  which  women  and  even 
children  toll  wearily  from  early  to  late ; but  the  liquor  traffic  has 
entered  with  its  attendant  evils;  and  drunkenness,  crime,  pauper- 


188 


isin,  immorality,  insanity  and  premature  death  are  fast  becoming 
widespread  among  the  gallant  and  once  sober  Japanese. 
A large  number  of  breweries  and  distilleries  have  been  estab- 
lished, and  the  licence  system  has  gained  a strong  foothold 
throughout  a large  portion  of  the  country.  The  extension  of  the 
liquor  tralhc  in  this  country  is  in  keeping  with  the  declaration 
made  by  a Japanese  manufacturer.  “ We  have  our  duty  plainly 
before  us,  to  establish  our  commodities  firmly  upon  the  world’s 
market.  Let  us  get  our  hold  of  them  before  we  are  tied  and 
handicapped  by  Government  interference.” 

During  the  great  war  with  Russia  in  1904-5  the  Japanese 
army  in  the  field  was  prohibited  from  using  any  kind  of  alcoholic 
liquors,  and  the  testimony  of  officers  and  press  correspondents 
to  the  great  advantage  of  this  abstinence  is  world-wide  know- 
ledge. On  the  other  hand  the  defeat  of  the  Russian  army,  and 
the  surrnder  of  Port  Arthur,  is  certainly  to  be  attributed  in  a great 
measure  to  the  drunkenness,  both  among  the  officers  and  the 
men.  On  entering  Port  .Arthur,  the  Japanese  found  an  enormous 
quantity  of  vodka,  w'hich  was  destroyed  to  save  the  Japanese 
army  from  drunkenness.  The  home  life  of  the  army,  however, 
is  very  different,  for  in  the  matter  of  the  .Army  Canteen  the 
Japanese  Government  have  followed  the  evil  custom  of  the 
Western  world,  providing  their  men  with  alcoholic  liquors  (sake) 
in  so-called  ‘‘  limited  quantities,”  enough  to  create  a growing 
amount  of  drunkenness  and  other  evils  in  the  army.  On  the 
return  of  the  troops  from  the  war  with  Russia,  a large  number 
of  drunken  riots  took  place,  similar  to  those  witnessed  in  Great 
Britain  when  the  troops  returned  from  the  South  .African  war. 
The  celebration  of  peace,  by  drunkenness  and  riot,  is  one  of  the 
most  extraordinary  peculiarities  of  civilised  nations. 

The  Good  Templar  IVatchword  says  : — 

‘‘  In  the  history  of  nations,  nothing  forms  more  remarkable 
” reading  than  the  story  of  the  rapid  development  of  ‘ Little 
‘‘Japan.’  The  Japanese  are  not  only  wonderfully  ingenious, 
‘‘  but  they  are  energetic,  strong,  nimble,  and  splendidly  brave. 
‘‘  They  live  chiefly  on  a vegetarian  diet,  and  touch  no  intoxicating 
‘‘  drinks.  The  great  victory  of  the  sober  Japs  over  the  vodka- 
‘‘ drinking  Russians  was  a revelation  the  world  will  not  soon 
‘‘  forget.  ” 

The  Japanese  have  organised  a thorough  system  of  public 
education,  but  the  liquor  traffic  is  largely  vitiating  their  handi- 
work. In  June,  1907,  the  Minister  of  Education  issued  the 
following  instruction  to  the  Educational  Authorities  throughout 
the  country  : — • 


189 


“It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say  that  the  duty  of  scholars 
“ and  students  is  to  have  a steadfast  mind,  to  propose  to  them- 
“ selves  a fixed  purpose,  and  to  look  forward  to  achieving  great 
“ results  by  zeal  and  diligence.  Nevertheless  among  the  youths 
“ of  both  sexes  I detect,  to  my  great  regret,  a tendency  to  occa- 
“ sional  despondency  and  ethical  decadence.  Certain  of  those 
“ now  in  the  schools  show  an  inclination  to  luxury,  or  torment 
“ themselves  about  empty  theories,  or,  in  extreme  cases,  allow 
“ their  minds  to  become  absorbed  in  dissipation,  and  violating 
“ the  precepts  of  virtue,  lose  their  sense  of  shame.  Unless  steps 
“ be  taken  to  severely  reprimand  these  errors,  their  harmful 
“ results  will  be  incalculable.’’ 

With  a view  to  lessening  the  evil,  and  protecting  the 
young'  people,  a Bill  was  introduced  and  passed  through  the 
Lower  House,  prohibiting  the  sale  and  use  of  all  kinds  of  alco- 
holic liquor  by  young  people  under  twenty  years  of  age.  When 
the  Bill  reached  the  Upper  House  it  was  met  with  the  most  bitter 
opposition,  and  was  defeated  by  a majority  of  seven,  the  vote 
being:  for  the  Bill,  97;  and  against,  106.  After  some  further 
discussion  it  was  resolved  to  refer  the  matter  to  the  Educational 
Department,  and  official  warnings  have  been  sent  to  the  liquor 
sellers  not  to  serve  young  people  with  liquor,  especially  imported 
spirits  from  Europe  and  America. 

Shortly  after  the  opening  of  the  country  in  1868  to  foreigners 
and  the  introduction  of  the  foreign  brewer,  distiller  and  wine 
manufacturer.  Temperance  organisations  were  formed  to  coun- 
teract the  evil,  and  if  possible,  to  prevent  the  growth  of  the 
traffic.  Eventually  these  organisations  amalgamated  their  forces 
and  formed  the  Japan  National  Temperance  League,  which  has 
now  over  100  affiliated  societies  located  in  various  parts  of  the 
country.  The  W.  W.C.T.  U.  also  has  some  thousands  of  mem- 
bers in  a large  number  of  branches,  with  a National  Union  for  the 
whole  of  the  country.  The  growth  of  the  traffic  has  at  last 
roused  these  organisations  to  the  need  of  taking  action  in  the 
Legislature,  and  the  National  Temperance  League  is  developing 
a plan  for  securing  Prohibition  in  those  places  where  the  people 
are  demanding  the  suppression  of  the  traffic;  it  also  urges  that  no 
liquor  shops  shall  in  future  be  opened  in  any  district  without  the 
consent  of  the  inhabitants. 

In  1894  some  valuable  information  was  given  by  the  Rev. 
John  L.  Bearing,  concerning  the  introduction  of  Prohibition  into 
the  Island  of  Okushiri.  It  is  only  a small  island,  about  fourteen 
miles  long  and  seven  miles  wide.  Herring  fishing  is  the  chief 
source  of  Industry  ; these  fish  approach  the  coast  in  great  quanti- 
fies in  the  spring,  and  from  their  sale  the  people  get  sufficient  to 


190 


feed  and  cloth  themselves  and  their  wives  and  families.  Although 
the  soil  is  very  fertile,  farming  and  gardening  was  almost  un- 
known, hence  between  the  fishing  seasons  the  fishermen  led  an 
easy,  indolent  life.  In  1884  there  were  only  about  260  people 
living  on  the  island,  but  these  had  become  very  much  addicted  to 
the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors,  no  less  than  6,000  yens  (^600 
or  $3,000)  being  spent  in  sake  alone.  Although  at  first  sight 
this  does  not  appear  to  be  a large  amount,  when  it  is  remembered 
that  or  $5  per  month  was  ample  for  the  entire  support  of  a 
whole  family,  and  that  the  earnings  were  very  small,  this  amount 
was  very  large  indeed.  Of  this  Mr.  Dearing  says  : — 

“ What  wonder,  then,  that  in  the  face  of  such  an  outlay  for 
“ liquor  the  people  often  suffered  severely  from  hunger  and 
“ cold  ! Their  houses  were  thatched  with  coarse  grass,  and 
“ were  very  poor  shelter  from  the  cold  in  winter.  They  had  no 
“ roads,  and  but  one  poor  school;  and  for  their  fishing  they  had 
“ only  four  good  fishing  nets  on  the  island.  The  Government 
“ authorities  seeing  their  wretched  state,  urged  them  to  adopt 
“ a system  of  storing  provisions,  so  that  in  the  mid-winter 
“ months  famine  would  not  threaten  them  as  it  had;  but  they 
“ found  themselves  unable  to  do  this,  on  account  of  the  payment 
“ for  the  sake,  and  nothing  was  left  for  provisions. 

“ At  this  time,  two  or  three  bold  men  began  to  openly  de- 
“ nounce  the  sake,  and  all  alcoholic  drinks,  and  to  declare  that 
“ their  sufferings  were  caused  by  the  liquor.  The  crusade  they 
“ started  was  met  by  strong  opposition;  but  finally  the  inhabi- 
“ tants  of  the  island  entered  into  a compact  in  July,  1884.” 

There  is  no  need  to  give  the  compact  in  full.  In  its  intro- 
duction it  is  declared  that  the  amount  of  money  spent  for  sake 
was  very  great,  and  that  the  only  possible  way  of  averting  ruin 
was  by  ceasing  to  use  the  liquor,  and  preventing  its  admission 
to  the  island.  They  therefore  pledged  themselves  to  the  follow- 
ing compact  : — 

“ Article  i : We,  the  inhabitants  of  Okushiri  Island,  jointly 
“ and  severally,  in  accordance  with  the  covenant  hereby  required, 
“ do  pledge  ourselves  to  abandon  wholly  the  sale,  purchase, 
“ and  use  of  alcoholic  beverages. 

“ Article  2 : Any  islander  refusing  to  sign  this  covenant  and 
“ engaging  in  the  sale,  purchase,  and  use  of  alcohol,  shall  not 
“ receive  sympathy  or  aid  from  his  fellow-islanders  as  a whole. 
“ no  matter  what  circumstances  he  may  be  placed  in.” 

Further  articles  provided  for  heavy  fines  on  any  one  who 
should  introduce,  or  sell  intoxicating  liquors.  The  fines  to  be 
used  for  buying  grain  for  public  purposes.  All  immigrants  were 
compelled  to  sign  the  covenant  before  they  were  allowed  on  the 


191 


island.  The  wonderful  chang-e  which  followerl  is  best  told  in 
Mr.  Dearing’s  own  words  : — 

“ Briefly  observe  the  result.  The  covenant  was  rigorously 
“ observed.  Even  Government  officials,  of  whatever  rank,  had 
“ to  give  up  sake  drinking  when  they  visited  the  island.  Of 
“course,  every  drinker  had  to  reform  or  leave  the  island.  In 
“five  years  the  population  increased  five-fold,  and  the  capital 
“ invested  in  fishing  ten-fold.  The  bad  roofs  were  replaced  by 
“ shingles;  good  roads  were  built  all  over  the  island;  four  large 
“ public  granaries  were  erected  and  filled  with  rice,  and  each 
“ family  had  a private  store  in  reserve.  New  land  has  been 
“ brought  into  cultivation,  and  4,000  yens  (;,^'400,  $2,000)  worth 
“ of  hemp  is  now  grown  annually  for  the  manufacture  of  fishing- 
“ nets.  Before  the  compact  the  nets  were  brought  from  the 
“ mainland. 

“ The  school  has  been  greatly  improved,  and  several  branch 
“ schools  have  been  established.  Order  reigns  on  the  island. 
“ Crime,  which  was  formerly  very  prevalent,  has  largely  passed 
“ away.  It  is  a law-abiding  island.  At  the  end  of  the  first  five 
“ years  an  influential  official  tried  to  oppose  its  renewal,  but  it 
“ was  renewed  notwithstanding.  God  grant  that  it  may  be 
“ renewed  every  five  years  to  the  end  of  time.  Would  that  the 
“example  and  practice  of  these  simple  fishermen  of  Okushiri 
“ might  teach  many  of  the  more  enlightened  and  better  educated 
“ but  less  wise  people  of  Britain  and  America  that  total  absti- 
“ nence  and  Prohibition  are  not  only  possible  but  beneficial.’’ 

The  Prohibition  Covenant  has  now  become  a settled  law  of 
the  island,  its  population,  after  nearly  thirty  years’  experience,  is 
stated  to  be  more  than  ever  opposed  to  permitting  alcoholic 
liquors  to  be  again  introduced  into  their  midst.  It  is  not  sur- 
prising to  learn  that  other  communities  on  the  mainland,  .seeing 
the  success  and  advantages  which  have  followed  the  adoption  of 
Prohibition  on  the  Island  of  Okushiri,  have,  as  far  as  they  have 
the  power,  pledged  themselves  in  like  manner,  and  are  enjoying 
similar  happy  results. 

The  Government  of  Japan  is  a constitutional  monarchy.  It 
is  stated  to  be  the  oldest  consecutive  Government  in  the  world, 
dating  back  to  the  seventh  century  before  the  Christian  era. 
The  Legislature  consists  of  two  Hou.ses,  the  Chamber  of  Peers, 
with  367  members,  partially  appointed  by  the  Emperor,  and  par- 
tially elected,  and  the  Chamber  of  Representatives,  with  381 
members,  elected  by  male  resident  tax-payers.  The  population 
numbers  about  55,000,000,  a large  proportion  are  from  religious 
conviction  total  abstainers. 

Korea — After  centuries  of  independent  Government,  Korea, 
in  iqio,  was  formerly  annexed  to  Japan,  and  the  name  of  the 


192 


country  chang-ed  to  Cho-sen.  It  was  one  of  the  King's  of  Korea 
who  first  attempted  to  secure  the  adoption  of  total  abstinence  by 
the  people.  In  the  year  1401,  the  first  year  of  the  reig'n  of  Tayo, 
King-  of  Korea,  there  was  a great  famine  in  the  land,  so  that  all 
the  grain  was  wanted  for  food,  and  the  King  commanded  that 
brewing  should  cease,  but  his  orders  were  not  obeyed  until  he 
had  banished  intoxicating  liquors  from  his  own  court.  INIr. 
Longford,  in  his  interesting  book,  “ The  Storj^  of  Korea,”  gives 
the  incident  as  follows  : — 

‘‘  The  national  alcoholic  drink  of  the  Koreans  is,  as  is  that 
‘‘  of  the  Japanese,  brewed  from  rice,  and  in  order  that  all  the 
‘‘  grain  might  be  spared  for  food,  the  King  ordered  that  brewing 
‘‘  should  temporarily  cease.  When  he  found  that  his  orders  were 
‘‘  not  obeyed,  he  concluded  that  it  was  because  drink  was  still 
‘‘  served  in  the  Court,  and  he  therefore  ordered  that  its  use 
‘‘  should  cease  even  there.  With  this  example  before  them,  the 
‘‘  people  could  no  longer  indulge  in  what  their  sovereign  ab- 
‘‘  stained  from,  and  his  first  orders  were  then  readily  obeyed.” 

This  enlightened  King  passed  away  and  the  Temperance 
movement,  introduced  under  such  circumstances,  lasted  much 
longer  than  the  time  of  famine,  but  largely  died  with  the  King, 
and  drunkenness  and  crime  reappeared  again  throughout  the 
land,  until  drunkenness,  we  are  told,  brought  ‘‘  no  disgrace 
among  the  upper  classes  and  was  common  to  all  classes.” 

Miss  Lucy  Broad,  Korean  delegate  to  the  M'.W.C.T.L'. 
Conference  held  in  Glasgow,  writes  : — 

‘‘In  Korea  there  are  no  licensing  laws,  and  whoever  chooses 
‘‘  to  set  up  one  of  their  earth-built  stills  can  make  and  sell  the 
“ sill  of  the  country,  so  that  we  find  in  one  town  of  120  houses. 
‘‘  go  are  drink  shops.  But  the  Free  Church  refusing  membership 
‘‘  to  anyone  drinking  or  selling  intoxicating  liquors  has  led  to  a 
‘‘  great  diminution.  In  Chai  Ryeng,  three  years  ago,  there  were 
‘‘  500  liquor  shops;  now  350  have  been  put  out  of  business  by 
‘‘  the  Gospel.  No  matter  by  what  name  we  call  the  cruel  spirit 
‘‘  of  alcohol,  or  in  what  country  we  find  it,  the  same  trouble 
‘‘  follows  its  use,  and  many  Korean  women  have  found  it  bring 
“ them  the  hunger-bite  of  poverty  and  unmerited  blows  and 
‘ ‘ thrashings.  ” 

Mr.  A.  Henry  Savage-Landor,  in  his  book  ‘‘  Corea  or  Cho- 
sen, the  Land  of  the  Morning  Calm,”  gives  us  this  account  of 
his  visit  to  the  country  : — 

‘‘  W’hen  the  Coreans  eat  in  their  own  houses,  the  men  of 
‘‘  the  family  take  their  meals  first,  being  waited  on  by  their 
“ wives  and  servants;  after  which  the  females  have  their  repast 
‘‘  in  a separate  room.  The  women  seldom  drink  intoxicants,  and 


1^3 

“ have  to  be  satisfied  with  water  and  rice  wash.  Whenever  I 
“ went  to  call  on  a Corean  gentleman,  I invariably  found  him 
“ gorging  or  in  the  arms  of  Morpheus.  Naturally  a life  of  this 
“sort  makes  the  upper  classes  soft,  and  somewhat  effeminate. 
“ They  are  much  given  to  sensual  pleasures,  and  many  a man 
“ of  Cho-sen  is  reduced  to  a perfect  wreck  when  he  ought  to  be 
“in  his  prime.  Tire  habit  of  drinking  more  than  is  proper  is 
“ really  a national  institution,  and  what  with  over-feeding, 
“ drunkenness,  and  other  vices,  it  is  not  astounding  that  the 
“ upper  classes  do  not  show  to  great  advantage.” 

There  is  no  doubt  that  the  drinking  propensities  of  the 
Koreans  have  been  the  chief  cause  of  their  downfall  as  a nation. 
Many  writers  have  expressed  their  wonder  that  the  Koreans  have 
failed  to  rise,  either  in  education  or  any  branch  of  science,  to  the 
level  of  either  of  their  neighbours — the  Chinese  or  the  Japanese. 
The  facts  are  plain  to  those  who  have  studied  the  individual  life 
of  these  people;  the  Koreans  have  been  a drunken,  indolent 
people,  while  the  Japanese  have  been  a sober  and  energetic 
people,  and  the  Chinese,  though  a large  number  have  been  cursed 
by  opium,  have  at  least  kept  themselves  free  from  the  curse  of 
alcohol,  and  are  fast  freeing  themselves  from  that  of  Opium. 

Siberia. — The  great  country  of  Siberia  is  under  Russian 
rule,  and  now  has  a population  of  8,220,100,  in  igio.  In  addi- 
tion to  the  aborigines,  the  Russian  population  is  largely  made  up 
of  exiles,  their  descendents,  and  a number  of  immigrants.  The 
exiles  comprise  princes,  counts,  barons,  professors,  merchants, 
tradesmen,  and  artisans,  numbers  of  whom  were  sent  into 
Siberia  for  some  political  offence.  The  largest  number  of  these 
exiles,  when  their  term  of  banishment  is  ended,  prefer  to  remain 
in  Siberia,  rather  than  return  to  the  Fatherland.  By  this  means 
the  country  is  being  peopled  and  a number  of  flourishing  towns 
have  sprung  into  existence,  especially  is  this  the  case  on  the 
banks  of  the  rivers  Obi  and  the  Yenesei.  The  great  Trans- 
Siberian  railway,  covering  a distance  of  nearly  10,000  miles,  has 
opened  up  some  splendid  land  for  agriculture,  mining  and  other 
industries.  A number  of  very  good  educational  institutions  and 
Civil  Governments  have  been  established.  Imfortunately  vodka, 
the  spirit  which  is  cursing  Russia,  has  been  a part  of  the  people’s 
diet  for  many  years,  taken  in  many  cases  as  a kind  of  solace  for 
the  sorrow  and  misery  through  which  so  many  of  the  inhabitants 
have  passed.  Mr.  Henry  Johnson  says  : — 

“ The  people,  high  and  low,  from  Government  officials  down 
“ to  the  peasant,  with  some  exceptions,  are  addicted  to  the 
“ vodka  habit,  with  much  ruinous  effects  in  business,  and  on 
“morals  and  health,” 


x 


194 


Mr.  Seebohm,  another  traveller,  says  : — 

“ We  left  the  settlement  of  Rueeika  with  gloomy  anticipa- 
“ tions  of  the  future.  Debt  and  drink  continually  drain  every- 
“ thing  of  value  into  the  hands  of  half  a dozen  merchants,  who 
“ are  gradually  killing  off  the  geese  that  lay  the  golden  eggs.” 

And  Captain  Wiggins,  the  ” Modern  Discoverer  of  the  Kara 
Sea  route  to  Siberia,”  says  : — 

‘‘We  found  at  Silovanoff  quite  a model  village,  inhabited 
‘‘  by  a fanatical  sect  called  Scoptsi,  who  had  been  exiled  from 
‘‘  Russia  on  account  of  their  peculiar  practices.  They  were  re- 
‘‘  markable  for  their  industry  and  cleanliness;  they  drank  noth- 
‘‘  ing  but  milk  and  a very  mild  beer.  All  intoxicants,  as  well  as 
‘‘  tea  and  coffee,  were  forbidden.” 

But  this  seems  to  have  been  the  only  place  where  vodka  was 
prohibited.  The  Archbishop  of  Krasnioarsk  invited  Capt.  Wig- 
gins and  his  friends  to  meet  him  and  some  half  dozen  prie.sts. 
‘‘  I was  heartily  welcomed,”  says  Capt.  M’iggins,  ‘‘  and  soon  a 
‘ spread  ’ was  prepared  in  which  vodka  and  wine,  of  course,  pre- 
dominated. When  1 declined  their  pressing  invitation  to  par- 
take, they  could  not  understand  my  refusal.  And  this  is  the  case 
wherever  I have  been,  either  at  a banquet  or  a simple  meal — 
people  can’t  understand  my  not  drinking.  This  cursed  vodka  is 
undermining  not  only  the  health  of  the  people,  but  the  very  con- 
stitution of  the  realm.”  While  Russia  has  introduced  its  State 
vodka  shops  into  Siberia,  permission  is  still  refused  to  establish 
Good  Templar  Lodges  or  to  form  ordinary  Temperance  societies, 
therefore  little  practical  effort  on  behalf  of  Temperance  reform 
can  be  put  forth. 


CHAPTER  VH 


Hong  Kong,  Phillippine  Islands,  Malay, 
and  Straits  Settlements 

“Children  should  be  taugfht  to  take  only  such  articles  of  food  as  tended 
to  build  up  healthy  and  strong  bodies,  and  particularly  to  abstain  from  every 
form  of  alcoholic  liquors,  which  was  poison  to  all,  but  especially  to  the 
Eastern  body.  This  was  an  important  matter  now,  because,  unfortunately, 
in  the  higher  castes  of  the  land  the  drink  habit  was  spreading.  As  they  saw 
from  the  Custom  House  returns,  more  and  more  of  the  poisonous  liquors  of 
the  West  were  being  brought  into  their  land.  It  was  theirs  to  set  a good 
example,  but  if  they  set  a bad  one,  it  was  for  the  teachers  to  step  in  and 
teach  the  boys  and  girls  to  abstain  from  the  poison,  and  to  understand  the 
dangers  of  the  drink  habit." — M/s.  An?iie  Besant  (1909). 


The  larg'e  number  of  Islands  in  the  China  Sea,  Indian  Ocean, 
and  the  Pacific,  under  the  authority  of  either  France,  Great 
Britain,  Portugal,  or  the  United  States  of  America,  are  greatly 
cursed  by  the  importation  of  alcoholic  liquors,  or  opium,  or  both. 
The  aboriginal  natives  of  all  these  Islands  are  well  known  to  be 
opposed  to  the  introduction  of  these  drugs.  But  European  and 
American  statesmen,  for  the  sake  of  revenue,  permit  these 
poisons  to  be  sold  tO'  the  people.  Hong  Kong  for  years  has  been 
a huge  depot  for  the  distribution  of  opium  and  alcohol.  The 
Phillippine  Islands  have  been  flooded  with  liquor  from  the  United 
States,  while  the  Straits  Settlements  have  been  inundated  with 
European  spirits. 

Hong  Kong. — ^The  population  of  Hong  Kong  is  about 
450,000,  of  which  only  about  21,000  are  white  residents,  including 
the  naval  and  military  garrison,  the  remainder  are  Chinese. 
Repeated  protests  have  been  made  to  the  British  Government, 
both  against  the  alcohol  and  opium  traffic,  but  with  practically 
very  little  effect.  The  plea  is  that  alcohol  must  be  provided  for 
the  foreigners,  and  that  opium  is  necessary  for  a large  number  of 
the  Chinese,  the  real  reason  is  ihc  need  for  revenue  both  in  India 
and  Hong  Kong. 

In  reference  to  opium,  so  strong  was  the  opposition,  both  by 
Europeans  and  Chinese,  in  igo8,  that  the  Government  announced 
that  an  arrangement  had  been  made  with  the  opium  farmers,  to 
close  26  of  the  opium  divans,  but  when  it  is  remembered  that 
165  were  allowed  to  continue,  this  was  a very  small  reform 
indeed.  Owdng  to  the  action  of  the  Chinese  Government  the 
warehouses  of  Plong  Kong  are  full  of  Indian  opimn,  and  the 


196 


merchants  are  finding  it  impossible  to  get  rid  of  their  stocks. 
The  result  is  they  are  appealing  to  the  Indian  Government  for 
help,  what  the  result  will  be  no  one  can  foresee.  'ITie  opium 
merchants  suggest  that  their  stocks  of  opium  should  be  “ taken 
over  by  the  Chinese  Government,”  and  if  this  is  done,  they  ex- 
press their  willingness  to  put  an  end  to  further  purchases.  They 
also  ask  that  the  sale  of  Indian  opium  in  Calcutta  and  Bombay 
may  be  stopped.  There  is  a consensus  of  opinion,  both  in  China 
and  Great  Britain,  that  this  traffic  with  China  must  cease,  and 
whatever  the  consequences  to  the  opium  merchants  of  Hong 
Kong  or  India  this  will  shortly  be  an  accomplished  fact. 

In  reference  to  alcohol,  while  it  is  generally  admitted  that  a 
poll  of  the  people  would  sweep  the  whole  liquor  traffic  from  the 
island  by  an  overwhelming  majority,  the  Governor,  M.  Nathan, 
in  a letter  to  the  Secretary  of  State  (June,  igo6).  in  reference  to 
giving  powers  of  local  option  in  regard  to  the  issue  and  renewal 
of  licences  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors,  says: — ‘‘This 
matter  has  not  been  the  subject  of  legislation  in  Hong  Kong.” 
The  growing  curse  of  the  liquor  traffic  has,  however,  compelled 
the  Government  to  pass  restrictive  laws.  In  1912  it  was  decided 
to  abolish  the  barmaids.  The  introduction  of  young  women  from 
Europe  and  Australia,  to  sell  alcoholic  liquors,  had  been  found  to 
be  a great  inducement  to  drinking  and  drunkenness,  and  immoral- 
ity, hence  the  abolition  of  the  system.  It  was  also  suggested  that 
after  a time  limit  of  three  years  ” All  existing  publicans’  licences 
shall  be  abolished  and  a Public-House  Trust  substituted,  thus 
withdrawing  from  the  public  as  far  as  possible  any  incentive  to 
excessive  drinking,  and  securing  the  supply  of  liquors  of  good 
quality.”  While  admitting  the  evils,  the  Government  seem 
afraid  to  risk  the  loss  of  revenue,  and  therefore  instead  of  sup- 
pressing the  traffic,  propose  simply  to  change  the  system  of 
selling  the  liquor,  forgetting  that  the  evil  is  in  the  liquor  and 
not  in  the  system  of  sale  or  the  men  who  sell. 

The  Overland  China  Mail,  dealing  with  this  question  in  an 
article  on  the  i6th  March,  1912,  says: — 

‘‘  The  Legislative  Council  of  Hong  Kong  at  various  times 
‘‘  has  tackled  sundry  difficult  questions,  and  in  some  Instances 
” has  achieved  meritorious  success;  but  it  has  also  on  its  records 
‘‘  many  significant  failures.  In  this  matter  of  the  liquor  question, 
” it  deals  with  a topic  which  has  puzzled  the  wisest  brains  almost 
‘‘  from  the  rosy  dawn  of  recorded  history.  To-day  the  licensed 
‘‘  victualler  is  certainly  hedged  around  In  most  countries  with 
‘‘  restrictions  which  various  legislatures  in  their  zeal  for  the 
‘‘  betterment  of  humanity  have  found  it  necessary  to  impose. 
‘‘These  restrictions  are  no  doubt  responsible  in  some  measure 
‘‘  for  the  continued  improvement  in  the  drinking  habits  of  the 


197 


“ world  at  large,  but  an  even  greater  factor  has  been  the  general 
“ condemnation  of  drunkenness  by  the  concensus  of  public 
“ opinion.  Hong  Kong,  by  reason  of  its  compactness  and  small 
“ area,  can  Institute  reforms  in  the  liquor  trade  that  would  be 
“ almost  impossible  elsewhere.  'I'lie  Committee  who  investigated 
“ the  question  are  all  men  of  high  standing  in  the  C(jnnnunity,  and 
“ they  have  not  arrived  at  their  conclusion  without  serious  con- 
“ sideration  of  tlie  many  and  intricate  problems  presented,  'ihey 
“ evidently  think  the  scheme  which  they  propound  feasible  under 
“ certain  conditions,  principal  among  which  is  the  entire  elimina- 
“ tion  of  the  private  licensee.  It  is  on  this  point  we  imagine 
“ the  warmest  controversy  will  arise,  for  when  all  is  said  and 
“ done,  it  is  applying  the  doctrine  of  municipal  socialism  to  the 
“ fullest  extent  of  its  possible  demonstration.  And  municipal 
“ socialism  is  rather  at  a discount  these  days  in  most  centres  of 
“ thought  where  the  freedom-loving  .Anglo-Saxon  predomi- 
“ nates.  ” 

The  Good  Templar  and  Temperance  friends  generally  have 
strongly  opposed  municipalisation  of  the  liquor  traffic,  so  that 
the  matter  is  still  awaiting  settlement.  That  something  must  be 
done  to  stop  the  present  evil  results  of  the  traffic,  everybody 
admits,  the  Government  say.  What?  The  Temperance  party 
say.  Prohibition. 

The  Phii.i.h’pines  Islands. — This  group  of  islands  situated 
in  the  China  Sea  and  the  Pacific  Ocean,  was  for  over  three  hun- 
dred years  under  Spanish  rule.  In  1893  it  was  annexed  to  the 
United  States  of  America.  The  total  population  is  about 
8,500,000,  of  which  about  half  are  located  on  the  island  of  Luzon. 
Under  the  Spanish  regime,  there  was  little  drinking  among  the 
natives,  their  favourite  drink  consisting  of  juices  distilled  from 
native  plants,  and  although  fiercely  Intoxicating  was  seldom  used 
to  excess.  Two  American  writers  (Messrs.  Wooley  and  Johnson) 
make  the  following  statement  in  their  book,  “ The  Nineteenth 
Century  Temperance  Progress  ” ; — 

During  the  three  hundred  years  of  Spanish  domination, 
“ the  vice  of  drunkenness  was  not  developed.  The  problem  of 
“intemperance  was  introduced  by  the  United  States  in  1898. 
“ During  the  summer  of  that  year  the  American  forces  captured 
“ the  city  of  Manila.  Before  the  city  fell  into  their  hands  it  con- 
“ tained  three  bars,  which  were  supported  by  the  few  European 
“and  American  residents,  small  shops  where  fruit,  nuts,  etc., 
“ are  sold,  occasionally  furnished  the  native  vino.  Within  the 
“ first  few  months  of  American  control  the  number  of  dram  shops 
“ increased  to  about  four  hundred.  Drunkenness  and  debauch- 
“ ery  ran  riot  among  the  soldiers.  The  report  of  Judge-Advocate 
“ John  A.  Hull,  of  the  eight  army  corps  stationed  in  the  Phillip- 
“ pines,  for  the  ten  months  preceding  June  30th,  1899,  shows  that 


198 


“ during  that  period,  among  the  average  20,078  men  of  the  com- 
“ mand,  12,401  were  tried  for  various  offences  by  court-martial. 
“ The  natives  have  not  yet  adopted  the  customs  of  the  Land  of 
“ the  Free.  The  price  of  the  liquor  is  high,  and  moreover  the 
“ natives  hate  the  American  and  all  his  ways.  When  the  relation 
“ between  their  resources  and  the  price  of  American  liquor  is 
“ better  adjusted,  and  when  they  have  overcome  their  prejudice 
“ against  American  institutions,  it  is  to  be  expected  that  the 
“ Phillippines,  like  their  great  foster  mother  across  the  Pacific, 
“ will  take  up  the  new  burden  of  national  drunkenness  and  join 
“ tlvc  march  of  civilisation.” 

Under  the  rule  of  the  United  States  the  liquor  traffic  has 
developed  to  an  alarming  extent.  Ship  loads  of  American  intoxi- 
cating liquors  are  being  poured  into  the  country.  The  licensing 
system  is  under  the  direct  control  of  the  Government  officers, 
whose  duty  appears  to  be  to  raise  revenue,  irrespective  of  the 
moral,  physical  or  material  welfare  of  the  people.  A licensing 
law  has  been  passed  which  prohibits  white  men  from  conducting 
liquor  saloons  for  selling  intoxicating  liquors  to  the  natives,  but 
they  licence  natives  to  sell  these  liquors,  and  are  very  lax  in 
prosecuting  white  men  for  violations  of  the  law. 

The  Straits  Setti.emexts.- — This  is  a collective  name  given 
to  a number  of  islands  in  the  Malay  Peninsular  under  British 
rule.  The  Settlements  have  formed  a Crown  Colony  since  1867, 
previous  to  which  they  were  administered  as  a part  of  the  Indian 
empire.  Alcohol  and  opium  have  been  the  two  great  curses 
of  the  people  for  many  years,  and  many  efforts  have  been  put 
forth  by  Europeans  and  Chinese  to  suppress,  or  at  least  mitigate, 
the  evils.  These  efforts  have  unfortunately  been  opposed 
by  the  Government  officials,  with  lamentable  results  to  all  con- 
cerned. This  was  shown  by  the  way  evidence  was  secured  for 
the  Opium  Commission  of  1894.  Dealing  with  this  question  The 
Malaysia  Message,  of  Singapore,  says  : — 

” We  very  much  regret  that  officials  in  Singapore  are  cmu- 
‘‘  lating  the  example  of  those  in  India  in  attempting  to  suppress 
‘‘anti-opium  evidence.  . . Some  of  our  readers  will  smile  when 
‘‘  they  learn  that  one  of  the  persons  whom  the  Colonial  Secretary 
” has  been  discreet  enough  to  ask  for  his  opinion  as  to  the  harm- 
‘‘  ful  character  of  opium,  is  the  opium  farmer  ! A long  list  of 
‘‘  other  pro-opiumists,  more  or  less  interested  financially  in  the 
‘‘  opium  traffic,  might  be  given.” 

In  April,  1910,  The  Lancet,  the  leading  British  Medical 
Journal,  drew  attention  ‘‘  to  the  increase  in  the  consumption  of 
alcohol  in  recent  years  among  the  Chinese  in  the  Straits  Settle- 
ments, following,  it  is  alleged,  the  more  stringent  regulations  im- 
posed upon  the  opium  traffic.”  This  danger  the  Government 
ought  to  have  foreseen  and  prevented.  In  reference  to  the 


199 


spirits  imported  “ intended,  originally,  no  doubt,  for  the  con- 
sumption of  the  European  sailor,  but  increasingly  used  by  the 
ubiquitous  Chinese,”  the  Lancet  says: — 

‘‘  We  do  not  know  what  it  is  that  these  bottles  contain,  but 
‘‘  of  their  danger  to  health  there  can  be  no  doubt.  Even  on  the 
“ seasoned  European  saTTor  they  have  a most  paralysing  effect, 
“ men  lying  comatose,  sometimes  for  36  hours  after  a debauch, 
“ and  on  the  more  abstemious  Oriental,  the  results  are  even  more 
‘‘pronounced.  It  seems  obvious  then  that  in  the  interest  of 
‘‘  public  health,  preventive  measures  should  be  devised  against 
‘‘  the  habit.  ” 

The  Good  Templars,  W.W.C.T.  U.,  and  other  Temperance 
organisations  working  among  these  people  have  repeatedly 
urged  that  the  natives  should  at  least  be  prohibited  from  obtain- 
ing alcoholic  liquors,  and  it  is  gratifying  to  know  that  in  several 
places  the  Liquor  Licensing  Boards  have  endorsed  the  issue  of 
all  licences  as  follows  : — 

‘‘  Licensees  may  not  sell  spirituous  liquor  to  natives  of 
British  India  either  on  or  off  the  premises.” 

This  is  a great  step  in  the  right  direction,  and  if  this  policy 
is  extended  to  the  whole  of  the  inhabitants  and  the  traffic  pro- 
hibited altogether,  the  sobriety,  which  the  Government  and 
Planters  desire,  will  be  secured. 

Federated  Malay  States. — Reports  from  missionaries, 
merchants,  and  planters’  associations  show  that  the  liquor  traffic 
is  extending  in  each  of  the  islands  forming  the  Federated  Malay 
States.  The  Rev.  W.  E.  Horley  states  that  ‘‘  the  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors  is  decidedly  on  the  increase,  especially  w’ines  and 
beers.”  Mr.  W.  D.  Cooper  states  that  ‘‘Port  wine  can  be 
bought  for  2^d.  per  bottle,  and  15  reputed  pint  bottles  of  Rotter- 
dam gin  for  about  4s.  These  were  drunk  by  Timils  and  Chinese. 
On  the  Rubber  Estate  of  a friend,  the  owner  estimated  that  hun- 
dreds of  his  men  were  drunk  every  Sunday.” 

The  Planters’  Association  of  Negri  Sembilan,  and  other 
Business  Associations,  have  repeatedly  complained  to  the  Gov- 
ernment officials  in  reference  to  the  effects  of  drinking  among  the 
Indian  coolies  working  on  the  plantations,  and  employees  else- 
where. In  1909  the  report  states  : — 

‘‘  The  drink  question  is  again  receiving  considerable  atten- 
‘‘  tion  amongst  the  planting  community.  Your  Committee  are 
of  the  opinion  that  the  present  condition  of  affairs  in  this 
‘‘  respect  is  absolutely  disgraceful.  To  raise  revenue,  licences 
‘‘  are  promiscuously  issued  to  Chinamen,  in  the  majority  of  cases 
‘‘  with  absolutely  no  Government  supervision  over  the  quality 
‘‘  of  liquor  sold.  ” 

Yet  all  that  these  Business  Associations  suggested  to  meet 
a condition  of  things  which  they  call  ‘‘  absolutely  disgraceful,” 


200 


is  better  supervision  over  the  quality  of  the  liquor  and  an  in- 
crease in  the  duties  on  the  liquors. 

In  1907  the  Good  Templars  of  Kuala  Lumpur,  Selangor, 
petitioned  the  High  Commissioner  in  reference  to  the  growing 
evils  of  the  liquor  traffic,  stating  : — 

“ Liquor  drinking  is  not  the  habit  and  is  against  the  religion 
“ of  the  Malays,  who  are  natives  of  the  States,  and  the  Chinese, 
“ being  naturally  of  a sober  race,  drink  but  little.  Unfortu- 
“ nately,  because  of  the  great  facilities  afforded  the  community 
“ of  obtaining  liquor  we  believe  that  drunkenness  is  on  the  in- 
“ crease  amonst  all  classes  of  Tamils,  Sikhs,  Chinese,  the 
“ poorer  classes  of  Europeans  and  Eurasians,  and  even  the 
“ Malays,  because  of  the  temptations  of  the  liquor-shops,  are 
“ addicted  to  the  habit  of  drinking  liquors. 

“Therefore  we  humbly  pray  that  the  Government  of  the 
“ Eederated  Malay  States  will  cause  to  be  established  a Board 
“ of  Licensing  Justices,  as  is  now  in  vogue  in  the  Straits  Settle- 
“ ment,  to  whom  should  be  conferred  the  necessary  authority, 
“ either  to  issue  or  refuse  licences  to  liquor-shops. 

“ We  further  pray  that  the  duty  on  liquor  may  be  consider- 
“ ably  increased,  as  its  cheapness  is  an  added  temptation  to 
“ drunkenness;  we  also  pray  that  the  cheap  brands  of  liquor, 
“ which  do  enormous  harm  to  those  who  drink  it,  should  be  pro- 
“ hibited  Irom  entering  the  States.  We  know  that  there  are 
“deaths  from  alcoholism,  and  some  can  be  traced  to  the  low 
“ drinking -shops  of  the  Federated  Malay  States,  where  abomin- 
“ able  concoctions  are  prepared  and  sold  to  the  unsuspecting 
“ victims. 

“ We  also  pray  for  the  abolition  of  the  Spirit  Farm,  as  we 
“ are  assued  that  with  such  a large  vested  and  licensed  Corpora- 
“ tion,  whose  one  object  is  to  increase  the  sale  of  liquor,  must 
“ necessarily  lead  to  the  increase  of  liquor-shops,  whereas,  if 
“ the  Government  itself  controlled  the  traffic,  it  could  restrict 
“ the  sale  very  materially.  We  are  all  aware  that  ‘ we  cannot 
“ make  men  sober  by  any  enactment,’  but  we  do  feel  that  the 
“ restraint  of  good  laws  can  do  much  to  prevent  the  people  from 
“ becoming  drunkards. 

“ For  and  on  behalf  of  the  hitherto  sober  races  around  us, 
“ and  also  on  behalf  of  the  poorer  Europeans  and  Eurasians,  we 
“humbly  pray  that  the  Government  of  the  Federated  Malay 
“ States  will  give  a kind  consideration  and  a favourable  reply 
“ to  our  humble  petition.’’ 

Other  petitions  went  to  the  Government  praying  for  an  alter- 
ation in  the  system  of  licensing,  for  greater  restrictions  in  the 
number  of  liquor  shops,  etc.  In  response  to  these  appeals  a new 
enactment  was  adopted  in  1909  which  gave  the  right  to  issue 
or  refuse  licences  to  a Licensing  Board  appointed  by  the  resi- 
dents, based  upon  the  Act  of  the  Straits  Settlement. 


PART  IV 


AFRICA 


■'i 


lo  V on  Kl 


HoRTwef 


Atltatitf  OedAn. 


•t^CNCrt  \y 

j Congo 

&-_..i  'f^’'ke  Strte 


(rtnntlm  i 
APAiCif 


duttBd-llngg: 


The  vbit\ 


portion  is  \ 
Trobl^topy  Territory 


(halted  Soath  Afrios  is 
Lieaosa,  \ 


Tbe  Area  eorerad  >j  tlM  firossaio 
Ginarel  Act.  IwO. 


Tba  ahadad  portion  ie  still  oeder 
li^or.lbat  by  farther ilnterBatlonal 
ACrecsaat,  can  be  broa^t  uder 
Probibliion.  ) 


I 


CHAPTER  1 


The  Brussels  General  Act  and  Prohibition 

in  Africa 

“ I speak  after  sixteen  years’  experience,  and  I say  confidently  that 
unless  immediate  steps  are  taken  to  stop  the  liquor  traffic — not  by  putting’  on 
higher  duties  but  by  absolute  prohibition — a state  of  things  will  soon  be 
brought  about  that  must  ultimately  lead  to  the  entire  abandonment  of  the 
country.  I cannot  believe  that  the  conscience  of  Europe  will  long  allow  that 
the  vast  populous  regions  of  tropical  Africa  should  be  used  only  as  a cesspool 
of  European  alcohol.” 

Sir  George  Goldie,  P.  K.C.M.  G.,  Founder  of  Nigetia  ( 1890). 


In  1889  an  International  Conference  was  held  at  Brussels 
to  consider  the  great  questions  of  the  slave  trade  and  the 
liquor  traffic  in  Africa.  After  considering  these  and  other 
questions  relating  to  European  management  of  commerce 
and  government  in  Africa,  a General  Act  was  adopted  on  July 
2nd,  i8go.  Chapter  VI.  providing  for  the  abolition  of  the  slave 
trade  and  the  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  in  certain  large 
territorial  areas,  and  for  regulation  in  other  parts  by  the  im- 
position of  a moderate  excise  duty  on  imported  spirits.  The 
nations  represented  at  this  most  important  gathering  were 
Austria-Hungary,  Belgium,  Tbe  Congo,  France,  Germany, 
Great  Britain,  Italy,  The  Netherlands,  Norway,  Persia, 
Portugal,  Russia,  Spain,  Sweden,  Turkey,  United  States  of 
.America,  and  Zanzibar. 

The  findings  of  the  representatives  of  this  Conference  are 
known  as  the  “ Brussels  General  Act,  1890,”  but  before  they 
could  be  adopted  the  Conference  provided  that  they  should  be 
submitted  to  all  the  Governments  represented  for  their  ratifica- 
tion, and  it  was  further  resolved  that  they  “ shall  be  ratified 
within  the  shortest  possible  period,  which  shall  not  in  any  case 
exceed  one  year.”  The  six  Articles  dealing  with  the  prohibition 
or  regulation  of  the  liquor  traffic  were  confirmed  by  all  the  Gov- 
ernments, and  came  into  force  in  July  2nd,  1901.  Since  that  date 
there  have  been  several  increases  in  the  excise  duties  placed 
upon  the  importation  of  spirits,  but  generally  the  law  is  that 
agreed  upon  by  the  Brussels  Conference.  Chapter  VI., 
‘‘Measures  to  restrict  the  traffic  In  spirituous  liquors,”  is  as 
follows  : — 


20A 


“ Article  XC.— Justly  anxious  about  the  moral  and  material 
“ consequences  which  the  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors  entails 
“ on  the  native  population,  the  Signatory  Powers  have  agreed 
“to  apply  the  provisions  of  Articles  XCl.,  XCIL,  XCIIL, 
“ within  a zone  extending  from  the  20th  degree  north  latitude 
“ to  the  22nd  degree  south  latitude,  and  bounded  by  the  Atlantic 
“ Ocean  on  the  West  and  by  the  Indian  Ocean  on  the  East,  with 
“ its  dependencies,  comprising  the  islands  adjacent  to  the  main- 
“ land,  up  to  100  sea  miles  from  the  shore.  (See  map.) 

“ Article  XCI. — In  the  districts  of  this  zone  where  it  shall 
“ be  ascertained  that,  either  on  account  of  religious  belief  or 
“ from  other  motives,  the  use  of  distilled  liquors  does  not  exist 
“ or  has  not  been  developed,  the  Powers  shall  prohibit  their  im- 
“ portation.  The  manufacture  of  distilled  liquors  there  shall 
“ be  equally  prohibited. 

“ Each  Power  shall  determine  the  limits  of  the  zone  of  pro- 
“ hibition  of  alcoholic  liquors  in  its  possessions  or  protectorates, 
“ and  shall  be  bound  to  notify  the  limits  thereof  to  the  other 
“ Powers  within  the  space  of  six  months.  The  above  prohibition 
“ can  only  be  suspended  in  the  case  of  limited  quantities  destined 
“ for  the  consumption  of  the  non-native  population  and  imported 
“ under  the  regime  and  conditions  determined  by  each  Govcrn- 
“ ment. 

“ .\rticlc  XCII. — The  Powers  having  p)ossessions  or  exer- 
“ cising  protectorates  in  the  region  of  the  zone  which  are  not 
“ placed  under  the  action  of  the  prohibition,  and  into  which 
“ alcoholic  liquors  are  at  present  either  freely  imported  or  pay 
“ an  import  duty  of  less  than  15  francs  (12s.  81, d.  or  S3. 55) 
“ per  hectolitre  (nearly  22 J imperial  gallons)  at  50  degrees 
“ Centigrade  undertake  to  levy  on  these  alcoholic  liquors  an 
“ import  duty  of  15  francs  per  hectolitre  at  50  degree  Centigrade 
“ for  three  years  after  the  present  General  Act  comes  into  force. 
“ At  the  expiration  of  this  period,  the  duty  may  be  increased 
“ to  25  francs  (igs.  gid.  or  $5)  during  a fresh  period  of  three 
“years.  At  the  end  of  the  sixth  year  it  shall  be  submitted  to 
revision  taking  as  a basis  the  average  results  produced  by 
“ these  Tariffs,  for  the  purpose  of  then  fixing,  if  possible,  a 
“ minimum  duty  throughout  the  whole  extent  of  the  zone  when 
the  prohibition  referred  to  in  .Article  XCI.  is  not  in  force. 

“ The  Powers  have  the  right  of  maintaining  and  increasing 
“ the  duties  beyond  the  minimum  fixed  by  the  present  .Article 
“ in  those  regions  where  they  already  possess  that  right. 

“ .Article  XCIIL — The  distilled  liquors  manufactured  in  the 
“ regions  referred  to  in  .Article  XCIL,  and  intended  for  inland 
“ consumption,  shall  be  subject  to  an  Excise  duty.  Thi.s  Excise 
“ duty,  the  collection  of  which  the  Powers  undertake  to  insure 


205 


“ as  far  as  possible,  shall  not  be  lower  than  the  minimum  import 
“ duty  fixed  by  Article  XCIl. 

“ Article  XCIVb — Signatory  Powers  having  in  Africa  pos- 
“ sessions  contiguous  to  the  zone  specified  in  Article  XC.  under- 
“ take  to  adopt  the  necessary  measures  for  preventing  the  intro- 
“ duction  of  spirituous  liquors  within  the  territories  of  the  said 
“ zone  by  their  inland  frontiers. 

“ Article  XCV. — The  Powers  shall  communicate  to  each 
“ other,  through  the  office,  at  Brussels,  and  according  to  the 
“terms  of  Chapter  V.,  information  relating  to  the  traffic  in 
“ alcoholic  liquors  within  their  respective  territories.” 

Several  meetings  of  the  Brussels  Conference  have  been  held 
since  1892,  when  the  question  of  the  spirit  traffic  with  Africa 
has  been  under  consideration,  but  after  twenty-four  years 
working  of  the  Brussels  General  Act  there  is  still  much  to  be 
done.  It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  “ The  United  Committee 
for  the  Prevention  of  the  Demoralisation  of  the  Native  Races  by 
the  Liquor  Traffic,”  representing  the  whole  of  the  Missionary 
and  Temperance  Organisations  of  Great  Britain,  are  ever  alert 
on  this  important  question,  and  also  that  an  International  Feder- 
ation has  been  formed  representing  Belgium,  Germany,  France, 
Great  Britain,  Ital)q  Switzerland,  Spain,  and  the  United  States, 
to  assist  in  protecting  the  natives  from  the  inroads  of  the  liquor 
traffic  and  to  maintain  the  Prohibition  Zone  adopted  in  1890  by 
the  Brussels  General  Act. 

In  June,  1910,  a great  International  Missionary  Conference 
was  held  in  Edinburgh,  at  which  the  question  of  the  Native 
Races  and  the  Liquor  Traffic  was  considered,  and  a Memorial  to 
the  various  Governments  was  drawn  up  and  signed  by  delegates 
representing  Europe  (492),  America  (273),  Africa  (25),  Asia 
(130),  Australasia  (12),  and  various  {5),  a total  of  946  signatures. 

The  Memorial  was  as  follows  : — 

“ We,  the  undersigned,  attending  the  W^orld  Missionary 
“ Conference  in  Edinburgh,  from  many  Missionary  .Societies  and 
“ diverse  nations  ; 

“ Recognise  with  great  thankfulness  the  united  action  which 
“ has  been  taken  by  the  Great  Powers  in  the  protection  of  Native 
“ Races  from  the  Liquor  Traffic,  particularly  in  the  Clauses  of 
“ the  Brussels  General  Act  relating  to  the  importation  of  spirits. 

“ In  view,  however,  of  the  fact  that  Africa  is  now  being 
“ opened  up  for  the  first  time  by  railways,  and  that  improved 
“ means  of  communication  are  bringing  new  regions  within  the 
“ sphere  of  commercial  activity  : 

“ We  respectfully  appeal  to  the  Governments  of  the  Great 
“ Powers  again  to  take  this  matter  into  consideration  at  an  earlv 


206 


“date,  so  that  the  Natives  of  Africa  may  eventually  be  freed 
“ from  a trade  which  is  antagonistic  to  the  spiritual,  moral  and 
“ material  welfare  of  the  African  Races.’’ 

The  Memorial  was  presented  to  Mr.  Harcourt  (Secretary  of 
State  for  the  Colonies]  on  July  iith,  1911,  by  a large  and  in- 
fluential deputation  organised  by  the  Native  Races  and  Liquor 
Traffic  Committee.  The  Committee  appended  to  their  Memorial 
five  important  suggestions  which  were  signed  on  their  behalf  by 
the  Duke  of  Westminster  (President),  the  Bishop  of  London 
(Chairman),  Sir  John  H.  Kennaway  (Vice-Chairman),  Dr.  C.  F. 
Harford  (\^ice-Chairman  of  Executive  Committee),  Henry 
Gurney  (Hon.  Sec.),  and  John  Newton  (Secretary). 

“ I.  That  His  Majesty’s  Government  use  the  initiative  con- 
“ ceded  to  it  by  the  Brussels  Convention  of  1906,  to  call  another 
“ meeting  of  the  Powers  at  the  earliest  possible  date  to  consider 
“ the  question  of  the  sale  of  spirits  to  the  natives  of  Africa, 
“ more  especially  with  a view  to  the  extension  of  the  prohibitory 
“ zones  towards  the  Coast  line. 

“2.  That  pending  a meeting  of  the  Powers  immediate  steps 
“ should  be  taken  by  His  Majesty’s  Government  to  come  to  an 
“ agreement  with  France  and  Germany  for  the  further  restriction 
“ by  increased  duties  or  otherwise,  of  the  importation  of  spirits 
“ into  their  Colonies  on  the  Gulf  of  Guinea. 

“ 3.  That  the  system  of  Local  Option  by  chiefdom  now 
“ being  adopted  in  Sierra  Leone  be  extended  to  the  whole  of  the 
“ British  West  African  Colonies,  irrespective  of  the  effect  of  the 
“ system  on  local  revenue. 

“ 4.  That  inquiry  should  be  made  by  Commission  or  other- 
“ wise  as  to  the  best  way  of  raising  revenue  to  meet  any  de- 
“ ficiency  caused  by  the  diminution  of  the  yield  of  liquor  duties. 

“ 5.  That  the  use  of  spirits  as  a form  of  currency,  and  the 
“ pawning  of  children  for  spirits  or  other  debts,  be  made  illegal.’’ 

Mr.  Harcourt  gave  a sympathetic  reply.  He  announced 
that  His  Majesty’s  Government  would  arrange  for  a meeting  of 
the  Brussels  Conference  again  to  consider  the  question  of  the 
sale  of  spirits  to  the  natives  of  .\frica,  the  British  Government 
reserving  to  themselves  the  right,  if  necessary,  to  go  farther  in 
their  own  territories  than  any  general  agreement  of  the  Powers 
might  do. 

The  International  Conference  re-assembled  at  Brussels  on 
the  4th  January,  1912,  when  the  International  Federation  for 
the  Protection  of  the  Native  Races  from  the  Liquor  Traffic  pre- 
sented an  important  Memorial,  in  which  it  was  stated; — 

“ The  Federation,  while  assuring  your  Excellencies  of  its 
“ decided  preference  for  total  prohibition  of  the  importation  and 


207 


“local  manufacture  of  spirits  intended  for  native  consumption, 
“ especially  in  Africa,  has,  nevertheless,  thought  it  right  to 
“ urge  upon  your  Excellencies  the  five  following  ‘ desiderata’  : — 

“ I.  The  strict  carrying  out  of  the  provisions  of  the  General 
“ Act  of  Brussels,  and  the  Acts  of  the  Conferences  of  1899  and 
“ 1906,  in  the  countries  within  the  limits  assigned  by  the  former 
“ document,  and  the  gradual  extension  of  the  prohibition  zones 
“ from  the  interior  to  the  coasts. 

“ 2.  The  gradual  raising  of  the  customs  and  excise  duties. 

“ 3.  The  establishment  of  strict  control  over  the  quality  of 
“ spirits  imported  or  manufactured  on  the  spot,  and  the  sup- 
“ pression  of  private  stills. 

“ 4.  The  limitation  of  the  alcoholic  strength  of  spirits  which 
“ should  only  be  introduced  and  distributed  in  the  state  in  which 
“ they  are  to  be  drunk,  and  in  their  original  packing. 

“ 5.  The  prohibition  of  the  importation,  manufacture  and 
“ sale,  even  for  consumption  by  others  than  natives,  of  liquors 
“ of  the  absinthe  type. 

“ Many  of  these  proposals  are  not  new,  and  your  Excellen- 
“ cies  will  easily  recognise,  in  the  first  three  articles,  either  the 
“ provisions  of  the  Acts  of  preceding  Conferences  or  what  was 
“ inserted  in  their  protocols,  and  your  Excellencies  will  see  by 
“ this  that  the  grand  work  of  these  international  conferences 
“ has  been  the  object  of  our  thorough  examination,  as  well  as 
“ of  our  most  sincere  admiration. 

“ But  we  have  set  before  ourselves  as  our  principal  ob- 
“ jective  to  draw  the  kind  attention  of  the  present  Conference  to 
“ this  fact  : that  the  customs  and  excise  duties  established  in 
“ 1889-90,  and  considerably  raised  since  then  (in  1899  and  in 
“ 1906),  have  not  been  able  to  prevent,  but  only  to  diminish, 
“ the  increase  in  the  consumption  of  spirits  in  Africa,  in  the  zone 
“ designated  by  the  General  Act;  the  insufficiency  of  the  results 
“ obtained  follows  from  several  causes,  the  chief  of  which  are, 
“ on  the  one  hand,  the  diminution  in  the  net  cost  of  spirits  and 
“ the  cost  of  their  transport,  consequent  on  improvements  intro- 
“ duced  into  the  distilleries,  and  improved  services  of  sea  and 
“ river  navigation,  and  the  construction  of  railways,  and,  on  the 
“ other  hand,  the  increasing  value  of  native  labour. 

“ Under  these  conditions,  protective  tariffs  being  at  present 
“ the  principal  means  of  combating  alcoholism  in  the  colonies,  it 
“ seems  necessary  to  add  to  them  additional  measures  of  defence 
“ in  the  nature  of  those  which  we  have  had  the  honour  of  sug- 
“ gesting  to  your  Excellencies,  persuaded  that  your  Excellencies 
“ will  not  this  time  limit  their  programme  to  inquiring  into  the 
“ amount  of  the  duties,  for  it  is  important  to  look  forward  to 
“ the  day — perhaps  not  far  distant — when,  by  reason  of  their 


208 


“ specific  character,  these  duties  will  have  reached  the  maxi- 
“ mum  that  our  sense  of  justice  could  authorise  ; indeed,  civilised 
“ nations  could  not  permit  themselves  to  offer  to  savage  races, 
“ whom  it  is  their  duty  to  protect,  beverages  which  are  injurious, 
“ and  even  dangerous,  at  unreasonably  high  prices,  even  on  the 
“ praiseworthy  pretext  of  preventing  the  excessive  consumption 
“of  them.” 

Unfortunately,  no  decision  was  arrived  at,  for,  owing  to 
the  French  representatives  tabling  a series  of  proposals  which 
the  other  representatives  could  not  accept,  the  matter  was 
referred  to  the  various  Governments  and  the  Conference  ad- 
journed sine  die.  Unless,  therefore,  the  French  Government 
submits  its  proposals  and  asks  for  another  meeting,  no  inter- 
national action  can  be  taken  until  1914,  which  is  the  earliest  date 
at  which  the  Brussels  Conference  can  again  assemble.  Each 
separate  Government  can,  of  course,  institute  reforms  within  its 
own  Colonies — but  it  is  to  be  feared  that  little  will  be  done  with- 
out international  agreement.  The  next  regular  meeting  of  the 
Conference  is  due  to  be  held  in  1916. 


CHAPTER  II 


North  Africa 

“ Wine  brings  a tenfold  curse.  It  brings  a curse  on  him  who  makes  it 
for  another’s  use,  on  him  who  makes  it  for  himself  alone,  on  him  who 
drinketh  of  the  poison  draught,  on  him  who  carries  it  from  place  to  place,  on 
him  to  whom  the  poisoned  grape  is  brought,  on  him  who  serves  it  to  the 
eager  guest,  on  him  who  sells  it  to  another  s hurt,  on  him  who  profits  by  the 
harmful  sale,  on  him  who  buys  it  for  himself  alone,  on  him  who  buys  it  for 
another's  use — these  ten  shall  be  accursed.” 

Mohammed  traditional  sayings  [A. D.  570-632). 


The  northern  part  of  the  great  continent  of  Africa  has  its 
liquor  problem,  although  Mohammedanism  largely  prevails 
throughout  the  whole  of  the  area,  except  in  Abyssinia.  In 
Algeria,  Egypt  and  Morocco  there  is  an  admixture  of  Jews. 
Total  abstinence  from  religious  conviction  has  been  practised  by 
these  people  for  centuries,  and  the  prohibition  of  the  manufacture 
and  sale  of  intoxicants  has  been  generally  adopted.  The  Koran 
strictly  enjoins  this  upon  all  the  followers  of  Mohammed. 
Carlyle,  in  his  “Lecture  on  Heroes,”  says: — 

“ The  Mohammedans  regard  their  Koran  with  a reverence 
“ which  few  Christians  pay  even  to  their  Bible.  It  is  admitted 
“everywhere  as  the  standard  of  all  law  and  all  practice;  the 
“thing  to  be  gone-upon  in  speculation  and  life;  the  message 
“ sent  direct  out  of  Heaven,  which  this  Earth  has  to  conform 
“ to,  and  walk  by;  the  thing  to  be  read.  Their  judges  decide  by 
“ it;  all  Moslem  are  bound  to  study  it,  seek  In  it  for  the  light  of 
“their  life.  They  have  mosques  where  it  is  all  read  daily; 
“ thirty  relays  of  priests  take  it  up  in  succession,  get  through 
“ the  whole  each  day.  There,  for  twelve  hundred  years,  has 
“ the  voice  of  this  book,  at  all  moments,  kept  sounding  through 

“ the  ears  and  hearts  of  so  many  men A greater  number 

“of  God’s  creatures  believe  in  Mohammed’s  word  at  this  hour 
“ than  any  other  word  whatever.  ...  His  religion  is  not  an 
“easy  one;  with  rigorous  fasts,  lavations,  strict  complex  for- 
“ mulas,  prayers  five  times  a day,  and  abstinence  from  wine. 
“ It  did  not  succeed  by  being  an  easy  religion.” 

Mr.  S.  S.  Cox,  American  Minister  at  Constantinople,  stated 
in  1886  that  : — 

“ Throughout  the  Mahommedan  world  the  drinking  of 
“ spirits  or  wine  is  substantially  unknown,  and  has  been  for 


0 


210 


“generations.  Of  course,  in  cities  much  frequented  by  Christ- 
“ ians  and  others,  these  liquors  are  consumed,  but  a Mahom- 
“ medan  would  not  be  tolerated  in  the  services  of  the  mosques 
“ were  he  known  to  be  a drinking  man.’’ 

On  the  coastline  for  many  years  the  liquor  traffic  has 
existed,  ostensibly  for  supplying  Europeans.  The  opening  up 
of  the  interior  for  commerce  and  travel  has  been  taken  advantage 
of  by  the  liquor  traders  for  the  extension  of  the  traffic.  And 
people,  little  better  than  children  where  alcohol  is  concerned, 
have  fallen  victims  to  the  terrible  curse  of  alcoholism.  The 
attempt  on  the  part  of  a section  of  the  Brussels  Conference,  in 
i8gg,  to  extend  the  prohibition  zone  to  Northern  Africa  was  de- 
feated on  the  ground  that  the  natives  were  total  abstainers  by 
Mohammedan  law' ; but,  unfortunately,  under  the  constant 
extension  of  the  liquor  traffic,  every  effort  is  being  made  gradu- 
ally to  break  down  this  law. 

Algeria. — There  are  nine  distinct  races  of  inhabitants  in 
Algeria,  all  of  whom,  except  the  Europeans,  are  noted  for  their 
sobriety.  The  Berbers,  Arabs,  Moors,  Turks,  Kolongis, 
Negroes,  Mozabites,  and  the  Europeans.  Of  the  total  popula- 
tion about  750,000  are  Europeans  and  nearly  5,000,000  belong 
to  the  other  races.  Under  the  Romans  the  country  enjoyed  a 
great  degree  of  prosperity.  Christianity  was  introduced  and 
greatly  flourished.  This  state  of  things,  however,  received  a 
severe  shock  when  the  Romans  were  driven  out  of  Africa  by  the 
X'andals.  Later  the  Saracens,  the  Mozabites,  and  others 
became  conquerors  of  the  country.  From  1505  to  1516  the 
Spaniards  claimed  authority  over  the  people,  but  from  that  time 
until  1S30  the  Turks  ruled  with  an  iron  hand.  Thousands  of 
Christians  were  made  slaves,  piracy  developed  enormously,  so 
that  the  Alg'erine  pirates  were  dreaded  not  only  by  the  .Arabs 
and  Moors,  but  by  the  whole  of  the  European  powers. 

In  1830  the  French  Government  declared  war  against 
Algeria,  and  eventually  conquered  the  country,  but  its  conquest 
has  cost  the  French  nation  thousands  of  men  and  millions  of 
pounds,  for  there  has  been  a continuous  struggle  by  the  natives 
to  free  themselves  from  French  rule.  The  country  is  now  de- 
clared to  be  an  integral  part  of  France,  governed  by  a Governor- 
General  and  a Consultative  Council.  A great  deal  of  liberty  has 
been  extended  to  the  .Arabs  and  Moors,  who  can  now  become 
French  citizens  and  enjoy  many  of  the  civil  and  political  privi- 
leges of  France.  Many  improvements  have  been  introduced. 
Over  2,000  miles  of  railway  have  been  opened,  and  commerce 
extended  info  many  parts  of  the  country.  It  is  greatly  to  be 


211 


regretted  that  the  railway  has  led  to  a much  larger  distribution 
of  intoxicating  liquors  among  the  people. 

The  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors,  especially  French  wines,  is  being 
pushed  with  great  vigour,  thus  creating  an  appetite  for  stronger 
liquors,  spirits,  etc.  The  evils  have  repeatedly  been  brought 
before  the  notice  of  the  French  Government,  but  without  much 
effect.  During  recent  years  a mild  attempt  has  been  made  to 
limit  the  importation  of  distilled  spirits  by  increasing  the  amount 
of  duty.  This  has  had  a slightly  beneficial  effect,  but  much  more 
drastic  legislation  must  be  taken  if  the  growing  evil  of  alcohol- 
ism is  to  be  remedied. 

Egypt. — Europeans,  who  number  only  about  250,000  out  of  a 
total  population,  in  1911,  of  over  11,250,000,  have  never  been 
able  to  make  Egypt  a place  of  permanent  abode  because  they 
refuse  to  modify  their  mode  of  living.  They  continue  to  drink 
all  kinds  of  intoxicants,  as  they  would  in  their  own  country,  and 
therefore  suffer  the  consequences  of  their  folly.  Thousands  of 
years  ago  the  principles  underlying  the  basis  of  the  modern  Tem- 
perance movement  were  appreciated  by  the  people  of  Egypt,  and 
advocated  by  the  ablest  and  best  of  her  citizens.  Heredotus, 
the  oldest  Greek  historian  (484  B.C.),  who  travelled  extensively 
through  Egypt  and  other  countries,  tells  us  of  the  wonderful 
longevity  of  the  people,  through  their  abstinence  from  the  use 
of  intoxicants,  and  affirms  that  “ after  the  Libyans  (who  were 
also  abstainers  from  intoxicating  liquors),  there  are  no  people 
as  healthy  as  the  Egyptians.” 

In  the  course  of  time  the  Egyptians  learned  to  love  alcoholic 
liquors,  and  wine  flowed  freely  at  all  entertainments.  \Afine  and 
beer-shops  were  opened,  and  drinking  became  common  among 
all  classes.  W.  Taylor  Smith,  B.A.,  says; — 

‘‘  Everything  was  done  to  induce  customers  to  indulge  in 
” copious  potations.  The  slaves  in  attendance  plied  them  with 
” continual  recommendations  to  drink,  often  but  too  success- 
‘‘  fully.  Although  the  Egyptians  were  in  the  main  a sober  or 
” even  serious  people,  there  seem  to  have  been,  at  times,  a con- 
” siderable  amount  of  drunkenness  amongst  them,  both  in  beer- 
‘‘  houses  and  in  private  houses,  not  to  mention  the  wild  carouses 
‘‘encouraged  at  some  of  the  religious  festivals.” 

Then  followed  the  conversion  of  the  people  to  Mohammed- 
anism, and  a wonderful  change  took  place  in  their  habits  and 
condition.  Practically  the  whole  nation  abandoned  the  use  of 
intoxicants,  and  for  centuries  this  abstinence  has  continued,  so 
that  it  is  perfectly  true,  as  stated  in  the  Encyclopasdia  Britannica, 
that  the  Egyptians  even  to-day  ‘‘are  rarely  guilty  of  the  vice  of 
drunkenness,  wine  being  prohibited  by  the  Koran.  Eaters  of 


212 


opium,  and  smokers  of  hemp,  called  hasheesh,  are  not  un- 
common, though  they  are  always  of  the  dregs  of  the  people.” 

Since  1863  the  country  has  been  largely  under  the  influence 
of  the  British  and  French  Governments,  first  by  a Dual  Control, 
and  later  by  a British  Occupation,  'file  increase  in  the  importa- 
tion of  Furopean  spirits  and  otlier  intoxicants  under  both  these 
authorities  has  been  considerable.  There  is  general  condemna- 
tion of  this.  \A^riters,  travellers,  army  officers,  and  others 
who  have  visited  Egypt,  or  have  held  authority  there,  have 
spoken  of  the  ill  effect  of  alcoholic  liquors  being  introduced  to 
the  natives. 

Mr.  Talbot  Kelly,  in  his  work,  ‘‘Egypt  Painted  and  De- 
scribed,” says  : — 

‘‘  .\mong  other  jirohibitions  of  the  prophet  Mohammed,  are 
‘‘  indulgence  in  opium,  hasheesh  or  tobacco,  as  well  as  intoxi- 
‘‘  cants  of  any  kind.  Hasheesh  and  alcohol  work  more  havoc 
‘‘  among  natives  than  any  other  influence,  yet  every  cafe  will 
‘‘  supply  the  former  and  no  restriction  is  placed  upon  the  sale 
‘‘  of  drink,  which  in  Cairo  and  other  centres  has  such  a demora- 
‘‘  lising  effect  among  the  Moslem  population.” 

Mr.  |.  M.  Robertson,  M.P.  (Parliamentary  .Secretary.  Board 
of  Trade),  writing  to  the  London  Daily  Chronicle,  May  a^tli, 
191 1 , says  ; — 

‘‘It  is  no  use  to  plead  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  good 
‘‘  Government  in  I^gypt.  .So  long  as  we  pronounce  the  Egyp- 
‘‘  tians  unfitted  to  govern  themselves  there  lies  upon  us  the  clear 
‘‘  duty  of  showing"  them  wherein  good  government  consists. 
‘‘  Under  our  rule,  forms  of  retrogression  and  degeneration  are 
“ arising  alongside  of  forms  of  betterment.  Tire  traditional 
‘‘  Moslem  sobriety  is  being  undermined  by  a rapidly-growing 
‘‘  traffic  in  strong  drink  of  the  worst  kind;  and  we  are  not  in  a 
‘‘  position  to  deny  that  a native  Government  with  a free  hand 
‘‘  would  restrain  evils  which  we  entirely  fail  to  check.” 

Lord  Kitchener  in  his  rejiort  to  .Sir  Edward  Grey.  M.P., 
.Secretary  for  Foreign  .\ffairs,  dated  Cairo,  March  22nd,  1913, 
says  : — 

‘‘  17,784  kilog.  of  hashish  were  seized  in  1912  by  the  Coast- 
‘‘  guards.  Customs,  and  Police,  as  compared  with  24,464  in 
‘‘  1911.  Proceedings  were  instituted  in  2,098  cases  for  the  use 
‘‘  of  hashish  in  public  establishments,  and  convictions  were 
‘‘  obtained  in  1,996  cases,  as  against  2,669  cases  instituted  and 
‘‘2,556  convictions  in  1911.  197  persons  were  prosecuted  for 

‘‘the  unauthorised  sale  of  liquors,  as  against  274  in  1911. 
‘‘149  were  convicted  and  eight  acquitted;  eight  cases  were 
‘‘  filed  and  32  are  still  pending.  Only  ii  liquor  licences  were 


213 


“ granted  in  1912  as  against  13  in  1911,  and  eight  of  them  uere 
“ for  public  establishments  in  the  European  quarters  of  Cairo, 
“ AlexandriUj  and  Port  Said.” 

Miss  Anna  Y.  Thompson,  writing  from  Cairo,  July  30th, 
1913,  states  : — 

‘ ‘ There  is  great  need  for  Temperance  work  here.  1 am 
” sorry  that  beer  drinking  seems  to  be  much  on  the  increase 
” among  the  Mohammedans.  I cannot  say  among  the  better 
‘‘  classes,  but  among  the  middle  and  poorer  classes  I have  seen 
‘‘  a good  deal  of  it  in  Cairo.  We  as  a mission,  and  the  members 
‘‘  of  the  W.W.C.T.  U.,  work  all  we  can  in  the  way  of  example, 
‘‘  in  literature  in  Arabic,  and  the  Sunday  School  Temperance 
‘‘  Lessons,  and  Christian  Endeavour  Temperance  subjects. 
” Lord  Kitchener’s  report  does  not  say  quite  as  much  about 
‘‘  Temperance  or  intemperance  as  Lord  Cromer  did  in  his  last 
” report.” 

The  question  is  repeatedly  being  brought  to  the  notice  of 
the  Authorities,  but  with  tittle  practical  result.  Good  work  is 
being  done  by  the  Good  Templar  Lodges  in  the  British  Army 
and  Navy  at  Alexandria,  Cairo,  and  other  places.  This,  how- 
ever, is  largely  in  the  direction  of  personal  abstinence.  Some 
small  efforts  are  being  put  forth  among  the  natives,  but  without 
the  help  of  the  Government  very  little  permanent  good  will  be 
effected.  A very  great  restriction  in  the  importation  of  Euro- 
pean spirits,  or  better  still,  their  entire  prohibition,  should  be 
secured. 

Morocco. — The  population  of  Morocco  consists  of  races 
of  people  similar  to  those  found  in  Algeria,  numbering  nearly 
8,000,000,  of  which  only  25,000  are  Europeans  and  about  300,000 
Jews.  The  remainder  are  Mohammedans.  From  the  eighth  cen- 
tury until  1912,  the  country  was  ruled  by  an  autocratic  Sultan 
whose  power  was  unchecked  by  any  civil  authority.  The  Govern- 
ment of  Morocco  is  now  administered  by  the  French  except  at 
certain  points  on  the  coast  which  are  under  tlie  authority  of  the 
Spaniards. 

Although  so  close  to  Europe,  and  within  easy  reach  of 
Spanish  and  French  wines,  the  despotic  Sultan  succeeded  in 
keeping  alcoholic  liquors  to  a large  extent  out  of  the  country. 
In  1864  a Decree  was  issued  permitting  Europeans  to  trade  in 
any  part  of  the  country,  and  from  that  date  to  the  present  time 
a steady  but  largely  increasing  amount  of  alcoholic  liquors  has 
been  sent  into  the  country,  the  only  restriction  being  a duty 
which  has  varied  in  amount  from  time  to  time. 

At  an  International  Conference  representing  the  great 
Powers,  which  assembled  at  Algeciras  in  1906,  the  British  Gov- 


214 


ernment  attempted  to  secure  a much  greater  restriction  on  the 
importation  of  spirits  into  the  country,  but  only  succeeded  in 
getting  a slight  addition  to  the  duty.  While  this  was  done,  no 
doubt,  with  the  best  intention,  the  method  is  found  to  be  in- 
effective, as  the  traffic  in  European  spirits  still  grows  year  by 
year.  Though  there  are  no  railways  in  the  country,  it  is  re- 
markable how  easily  alcoholic  liquors  are  carried  into  the  interior 
so  that  the  evils  of  alcoholism  are  increasing  with  amazing 
rapidity.  It  is  a fact  that  these  millions  of  people  are  being 
seriously  injured  by  alcohol. 

The  Wesiniinster  Gazette,  November  2nd,  1912,  stated  : — 

“The  liquor  traffic  is  serious  enough  in  France;  unfortu- 
“ nately  it  is  extending  to  Morocco.  Throughout  that  Protec- 
“ torate,  and  especially  in  the  district  near  the  Algerian  frontier, 
“ the  natives,  in  spite  of  Mahommedan  law,  are  being  encour- 
“ aged  by  French  traders  to  consume  spirits;  and  those  who 
“ remain  faithful  to  their  tradition  are  offered  drugs,  which  are 
“ even  more  pernicious.  There  has  been  an  immense  over-pro- 
“ duction  of  alcohol  in  recent  years  in  France  owing  to  the 
“ excess  in  the  supply  of  wine  and  the  facilities  for  illicit  distil- 
“ lation ; and  Morocco  affords  a welcome  dumping  ground  for 
“ some  of  the  surplus.  But  here,  as  in  France  itself,  it  is 
“ probably  only  a reformed  Chamber  that  can  deal  with  the  evil.” 

Tripoli,  Tu.ms,  .and  the  Sud.an. — The  other  countries  of 
Northern  .■\frica  are  gradually  being  cursed  by  the  introduction 
of  alcoholic  liquors  supplied  by  nations  who  claim  to  be  more 
highly  civilised.  Tripoli  is  under  Italy;  Tunis,  under  France; 
and  the  Sudan  under  Great  Britain.  The  inhabitants  of  all  these 
countries  are  overwhelmingly  Mohammedan,  and  until  the  intro- 
duction of  European  spirits  and  wine  were  noted  for  their 
sobriety.  W'hile  the  large  majority  of  the  inhabitants  are  no 
doubt  still  loyal  to  their  religious  vows,  it  is  also  true  that  the 
inroads  of  alcoholism  are  clearl)'  noticeable  to  all  concerned. 

The  importation  of  alcoholic  liquors  may  be  an  easy  method 
for  the  raising  of  revenue,  but  the  destruction  of  the  sobriety  of 
the  people  must  surely  tell  enormously  against  the  true  interests 
of  trade  and  commerce  in  the  end.  \\’hen  will  the  more  civilised 
nations  learn  that  in  the  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  is  to  be 
found  the  best  road  not  only  to  the  moral  and  physical  con- 
dition of  a people,  but  to  the  material  prosperity  of  every  nation? 


CHAPTKR  /(/ 


East  and  Central  Africa  and  Madagascar 

“ I protest  ag-ainst  the  liquor  traffic  being  introduced  to  these  people 
because  of  its  destructive  effect  on  all  legitimate  commerce.  I appeal  here 
to  the  selfishness,  if  you  will,  of  the  trading  community  as  a whole  ; and  I 
ask  them,  in  the  name  of  common  sense  and  righteousness,  if  they  are  going 
to  allow  this  traffic  to  deprive  them  of  all  honest  gain  in  these  countries 
which  in  so  wonderful  a way  have  been  opened  up  to  trade  in  modern  times. 
If  you  continue  to  force  njrn  upon  them  you  cannot  expect  them  to  buy 
cotton  goods,  for  if  they  buy  rum  they  will  have  nothing  left  with  which  to 
buy  cotton  and  other  useful  articles.” 

The  Rev,  Dr.  TayRr,  East  African  Missionary  ( 1907 ). 


The  opening  up  of  East  and  Central  Africa,  in  fact  the 
whole  of  Africa,  might  have  been  made  a much  greater  blessing, 
both  to  the  natives  and  the  European  traders  alike,  but  for  the 
introduction  of  the  liquor  traffic.  Many  also  declare  that 
Christianity  itself  would  have  been  much  more  acceptable  to  the 
natives,  had  the  traffic  in  gin  been  prohibited.  A great  struggle 
is  going'  on  between  Christianity  and  Mahommedanism,  and 
apparently  Christianity  is  not  succeeding  as  was  earnestly  hoped 
and  expected  it  would,  while  Mahommedanism  has  been  largely 
adopted  and  is  rapidly  extending  among  these  people.  This  is 
stated  to  have  arisen  from  the  fact  that  Mahommedanism  teaches 
abstinence  from  all  intoxicants,  which  is  in  keeping  with  the 
mode  of  life  the  natives  have  always  been  accustomed  to  live ; 
while  side  by  side  with  the  Christian  missionary  comes  alcohol 
and  opium,  which  degrade  and  destroy  the  people. 

Abyssinia. — The  Ethiopian  Empire  of  Abyssinia,  under  the 
rule  of  the  Emperor  Menilik  II.,  has  a population  estimated  to 
number  about  8,000,000,  of  which  about  half  are  Abyssinians, 
and  the  remainder  Galls,  Damakils,  and  Somalis.  The  monarchy 
is  one  of  the  oldest  in  the  world,  an  Emperor  having  ruled  over 
the  country  from  time  immemorial.  Christianity  was  introduced 
into  the  country  about  the  year  330  A.D.,  and  although  the 
people  are  stated  to  have  been  rude  and  even  barbarous,  they 
were  never  addicted  tO'  drunkenness.  Iheir  strongest  liquor 
was  made  from  fermented  cakes  made  from  a kind  of  mead.  ^ A 
number  of  Mahommedans  and  Jews  have  also  been  for  centuries 
living  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  their  habits  of  Tem- 
perance have  always  been  beneficial. 

The  introduction  oF  European  spirits  has  been  gre.atly  re- 
sented by  the  present  Emperor  and  by  the  leaders  and  priests  of 


216 


every  section  of  religious  thought.  It  was  decided  in  igio  that 
no  further  quantities  should  be  permitted  to  be  brought  into  the 
country.  The  Aflonpost  states  that; — 

“ The  Emperor  Menelik,  ruler  of  .\byssinia,  has  issued 
“ an  edict  in  which  he  prohibits  the  importation  of  alcoholic 
“ beverages  in  his  kingdom.  He  states  that  French  wine  and 
“ German  beer  have  found  an  entrance  into  his  court  and  after 
“ having  discovered  how  the  misuse  of  it  works,  he  has  come  to 
“ the  conclusion  that  if  he  does  not  put  a stop  to  this  drinking, 
“his  kingdom  will  be  in  danger  of  becoming  a prey  to  more 
“ sober  nations.  The  Emperor  is  not  against  European  art  and 
“ science,  on  the  contrary,  he  prizes  them  highly,  but  he  is 
“ determined  to  fight  with  all  his  might  against  European  poison 
“ which  is  the  name  he  gives  to  all  alcohol.  He  gives  notice 
“ that  he  will  punish  every  importer  of  alcohol  by  forcing  the 
“ drink  down  his  throat  until  he  dies.  In  regard  to  the  edict 
“ he  says  that  drunkenness  is  debasing  and  harmful,  that  it 
“ w'eakens  the  human  race  and  destroys  both  body  and  soul. 

He  wishes  that  his  people  shall  continue  to  be  strong,  healthy 
“ and  independent,  and  as  a means  to  this  end  he  absolutely 
“ prohibits  the  use  of  intoxicants  wherever  his  authority  reaches.  ’’ 

Tlie  Emperor  Menilik  is  wiser  than  many  European  nations, 
for,  knowing  the  evils  of  alcohol,  he  endeavours  to  save  his 
people  from  its  curse  by  adopting  a strict  prohibition  of  the 
importation  of  spirits,  which  European  traders  are  endeavouring 
to  force  into  his  country. 

British  East  Africa. — The  various  tracts  of  country  in 
East  and  Central  .Africa  under  British  authority  consist  of  the 
East  Africa  Protectorate  (Nairobi),  Nyasaland  (Zomba),  Somali- 
land (Berbera),  Uganda  (Kampala),  and  the  Islands  of  Pemba 
and  Zanzibar.  The  total  population  is  estimated  at  about 
8,000,000.  All  travellers  and  explorers  and  missionaries  who 
have  gone  through  this  part  of  .Africa,  are  unanimous  in  paying 
tribute  to  the  natives  for  their  sobriety.  Until  Robert  Moffat 
went  to  Africa  in  i8i6,  Central  .Africa  was  a sealed  book  to  all 
the  civilised  races.  He  warned  the  European  nations  again.''t 
the  introduction  of  alcoholic  liquors  among  these  people.  “ Of 
one  thing,’’  he  said,  “there  is  no  doubt  that  the  introduction  of 
intoxicating  liquors  (to  the  native  races)  would  end  in  the  certain 
destruction  of  their  temporal,  as  well  as  their  spiritual  interests.’’ 

The  warning  of  Robert  Moffat  and  others  went  unheeded, 
spirits  of  the  vilest  description  were  sent  out,  so  that  when 
Alexander  Murdock  Mackay  landed  at  Zanzibar  in  i8y6,  he 
found  drink  doing  its  deadly  work  among  the  natives.  AA'riting 
to  England  in  1877,  he  says  — 


217 


“ Drink  is  the  curse  of  Africa.  Every  night  men,  women 
“ and  children,  may  be  seen,  reeling  with  the  effects  of  alcohol. 
“ Whoexer  would  introduce  civilisation  into  .\irica,  must  be 
“ total  abstainers,  and  if  that  is  necessary  for  the  pioneers  of 
“ civilisation,  what  ought  to  be  the  attitude  of  the  preacher  of 
“ the  Gospel  of  Christianity?  ” 

No  doubt  this  opinion  referred  to  those  living  at  the  ports, 
but  in  time  the  evil  will  g'radually  find  its  way  into  the  interior, 
unless  effective  measures  are  taken  tO'  prevent  alcoholic  liquors 
being  carried  inland. 

Mr.  H.  E.  S.  Cordeaux,  the  Commissioner  of  Somaliland  for 
igo8-g,  reports  to  the  British  Colonial  Office  as  follows  : — 

“ There  arc  two  great  considerations  which  materially 
“ affect  the  general  public  health.  These  are — ist,  that  the 
“ population  is  practically  entirely  Mohammedan,  and  therefore 
“ total  abstainers  from  all  alcohol.  The  2nd  is  the  indifferent 
“ precaution  taken  either  against  excessive  heat  by  day  or  chill 
“ at  night  by  the  Somalis.  As  regards  the  first  of  these  con- 
“ ditions,  we  have  at  present,  a country  free  from  any  case  of 
“ malignant  disease  during  the  last  ten  years  or  so,  yet  one  in 
“ which  the  water  is  usually  so  polluted  with  mica  or  other 
“ irritating  impurities  as  to  produce  many  cases  of  a condition 
“ allied  to  dysentery.  This  tends  to  bear  out  an  influence  of 
“ alcohol,  per  se,  tO'  be  a predisposing  or  exciting  cause  of  mal- 
“ ignant  disease,  otherwise  than  by  its  action  as  an  irritant  only. 
“ In  connection  with  alcohol  ma}'  also  be  mentioned  the  very 
“ marked  difference  shown  under  anaesthetics  by  the  Somalis, 
as  against  both  the  European  and  other  races  addicted  to  the 
“ use  of  this  stimulant.  Serious  respiratory  trouble  is  practically 
“ never  met  with,  and  struggling  while  going  under  is  quite 
“ unusual,  yet  the  people  are  of  a both  nervous  and  excitable 
“ temperament.” 

The  Commissioner  also  notes  another  characteristic  of  these 
people,  for  regarding  the  second  condition  of  health  referred  t j 
above  he  says  : — 

‘‘  The  application  of  another  Somali  trait  of  character  goes 
‘‘somewhat  to  explain  their  freedom  from  sun  trouble,  for  in 
‘‘contradistinction  to  the  imported  Indian,  he  drinks  an  in- 
‘‘  credibly  small  amount  of  fluid  when  exposed  to  the  sun  on  the 
‘‘  march,  being  fully  convinced  that  both  staying  power  is  af- 
‘‘  fected  as  well  as  that  heat-stroke  is  more  liable  to  occur,  both 
‘'^in  man  and  beast.” 

Basutoland. — The  native  territory  of  Basutoland  is  situated 
in  South-East  Africa,  and  is  under  British  control.  The  popula- 
tion in  igii  was  403,111  natives  and  i,3g6  whites.  The  liquor 
problem  is  causing  much  concern  to  those  in  authority,  who 


21S 


desire  to  suppress  the  traffic  among  the  natives.  But  European 
traders  of  almost  every  nationality  seem  determined  to  introduce 
alcoholic  liquors,  either  in  a legal  way  or  by  smuggling  over 
the  border.  To  prevent  this,  additional  police  have  been  ap- 
pointed ; Mr.  S.  Barrett,  an  Assistant  Commissioner,  hopes  that 
they  will  “be  useful  in  detecting  a larger  proportion  of  the 
smuggling  fraterniay. ’’ 

Mr.  Samuel  Barrett  also  states  : — 

“ A new  form  of  intoxicant  has  been  introduced  into  this 
“ territory  from  Bechuanaland  during  the  past  few  years.  The 
“ local  name  for  it  is  ‘ ladi  it  is  said  to  be  made  from  ants’ 
“ eggs.  It  has  been  found  necessar}-  to  prohibit  its  use  on  the 
“ Government  reserves  here,  owing  to  its  demoralising  effects. 
“It  produces  violent  intoxication,  and  is  said  to  seriously  impair 
“ the  intellect  of  those  who  habitually  use  it.’’ 

Sir  H.  C.  Sloley,  Resident  Commissioner  at  Maseru,  sa3's  in 
one  of  his  reports  : — 

‘ ‘ The  unfortunate  propensity  of  many  of  the  chiefs  to  in- 
“ dulge  to  excess  in  smuggled  brandy  has  formed  the  subject  of 
“ se\’eral  special  reports.  The  district  officers  and  police  con- 
“ tinue  to  be  active  in  their  efforts  to  suppress  this  demoralising 
“ traffic,  and  during  the  year  (igoS-g)  eighty-six  prosecutions 
“ under  the  Liquor  Regulations  have  taken  place.’’ 

Mr.  C.  E.  Boyes,  Government  Secretary,  also  reports  upon 
the  evils  of  alcohol  being  sold  to  the  natives,  and  states  that  : — 

“ lire  smuggling  of  brandy  into  this  district  from  the 
“Orange  River  Colony  continues  unabated.  With  a view  to 
“ stopping  this,  additional  police  have  been  appointed.’’ 

Bechu.vn.\lj\xu. — The  territory  of  Bechuanaland  in  Central 
South  Africa  is  a British  possession.  The  population  in  igii 
was  estimated  to  be  125,350,  of  which  only  i,6g2  were  whites. 
The  native  chiefs  have  done  their  utmost  to  keep  all  kinds  of 
alcoholic  liquors  from  their  people.  When  Chief  Khama  became 
King  of  the  Bechuanas,  he  issued  an  order  prohibiting  the  manu- 
facture, importation  and  sale  of  all  intoxicants.  His  laws,  how- 
ever, were  broken  by  white  traders,  and  he  came  to  England  in 
i8g5,  accompanied  by  the  chiefs  of  neighbouring  tribes,  to 
plead  with  the  British  Government  for  their  assistance  in  pro- 
tecting his  people  from  these  liquor  traders.  In  his  interview 
with  Queen  Victoria,  King  Khama  pleaded  with  Her  Majesty 
“ to  stand  by  us  and  help  us  that  the  drink  may  not  enter  our 
towns.’’  Queen  Victoria’s  reph'  is  well  known,  but  is  worth 
repeating  here.  Her  Majesty  said  : — 

“ 1 approve  the  provision  excluding  strong  drink  from  ^-our 
“ country.  I feel  strongly  on  the  matter  and  am  glad  to  see  the 


219 


“ Chiefs  have  determined  to  keep  so  great  a curse  from  their 
“ people.  ” 

Intoxicating  liquors  still  being  smuggled  into  the  country, 
Khama  has  continued  his  war  against  the  evil,  but  it  is  difficult 
for  him  to  combat  the  wiles  and  schemes  of  the  liquor  traders. 
In  i8g8  he  wrote  to  Sir  Sidney  Shepherd,  saying  — 

“ To  fight  against  drink  is  to  fight  against  demons,  and  not 
“ against  men.  I dread  the  white  man’s  drink  more  than  the 
“ Assegais  of  the  Matebele,  which  kill  men’s  bodies  and  it  is 
“ quickly  over,  but  drink  puts  devils  into  men  and  destroys 
“ both  their  souls  and  bodies  for  ever.  Its  wounds  never  heal.” 

In  igio  H.R.H.  The  Duke  of  Connaught  visited  South 
Africa,  for  the  purpose  of  opening  the  Union  Parliament,  and 
afterwards  paid  a visit  tO'  other  parts  of  Africa.  The  native 
Chiefs,  headed  by  Khama,  interviewed  His  Royal  Highness  in 
reference  to  the  continual  violation  of  their  prohibition  liquor 
laws.  Khama,  with  the  full  approval  of  the  other  Chiefs,  ap- 
pealed to  the  Duke  to  assist  them  in  not  only  carrying  out  their 
own  laws  against  the  liquor  traffic,  but  the  promise  made  by 
Queen  \hctoria  that  no  intoxicating  liquors  should  be  permitted 
to  enter  their  country.  In  an  earnest  and  touching  address, 
Khama  urged  the  Duke  ‘‘  not  to  permit  their  people  to  be  driven 
mad  by  brandy.”  Unfortunately,  these  liquor  traders  care 
neither  for  the  promises  of  Queens,  nor  the  laws  of  Chiefs.  Only 
the  strong  arm  of  a power  like  the  British  Government,  fully 
determined  on  a strict  enforcement  of  Prohibition,  will  ever 
keep  these  traders  from  selling  their  liquor.  When  will  the 
British  Government  exercise  their  duty,  and  carry  out  their 
promises  to  these  people? 

Rhodesia. — The  territory  Rhodesia,  named  after  Cecil 
Rhodes,  is  under  the  British  Government,  and  is  divided  into 
three  Administrative  Divisions,  viz.,  Southern,  North-Eastern, 
and  North-Western.  The  estimated  population  in  igii  was 
1,750,000,  the  total  white  population  being  under  20,000.  The 
great  missionary-explorer.  Dr.  Livingstone,  first  opened  this 
part  of  Africa  to  British  influence.  From  1840  until  1873,  Dr. 
Livingstone  travelled  through  the  heart  of  Africa,  and  more  than 
once  protested  against  the  introduction  of  any  kind  of  intoxi- 
cating liquor  to  the  natives.  Unfortunately,  Livingstone’s  good 
advice  has  not  been  acted  upon,  so  that  a considerable  amount 
of  spirits  finds  a way  among  these  people,  much  to  their  hurt. 

SvvAZiiAND. — This  is  another  territory  under  British  pro- 
tection. Swaziland  has  a population  of  about  100,000,  of  which, 
in  igii,  only  1,083  were  whites.  The  inhabitants  are  of  the 
Ama-Swazi  Bantus  tribe.  The  country  is  largely  ruled  by  native 


220 


Chiefs,  who  are  strongly  opposed  to  the  introduction  of  the  liquor 
traffic.  Yet  it  is  stated  that  from  Cape  Colony  and  Natal  “ a 
flood  of  spirits  is  poured  into  the  territories  of  these  native 
Chiefs.  At  times  whole  villages  are  found  in  a state  of  intoxica- 
tion. Kings,  chiefs,  people,  men,  women,  and  children,  all  in  a 
state  of  hideous  frenzy,  born  of  the  fire-water  of  the  white  man.” 
The  extension  of  the  Springs-Ermelo  Railway,  with  coach  and 
other  communications  with  the  interior,  has  greatly  facilitated 
the  distribution  of  liquor. 

Fren'ch  East  Africa. — The  Somali  Coast  Protectorate, 
which  is  under  the  Government  of  France,  is  a very  small  territory, 
having  a population  of  only  about  210,000.  The  principal  port 
is  Jibuti,  from  which  a railway  runs  to  Adis  .\baba,  the  present 
capital  of  Abyssinia.  By  means  of  this  port  and  railway  a 
quantity  of  intoxicating  liquors  has  been  carried,  not  only  into 
French  East  Africa  itself,  but  through  into  .\byssinia,  much  to 
the  annoyance  of  the  Emperor  and  the  detriment  of  the  people. 

German  East  Africa. — The  German  territory  in  East  Africa 
(Dar-es-Salaam)  has  an  estimated  population  of  about  10,000,000. 
The  majority  of  the  inhabitants  are  of  the  Unyanwesi,  Swahali, 
and  other  Bantu  races,  and  the  Masai  and  Wakuafi  tribes,  which 
are  of  Hamito-Negroid  origin.  Missionaries  are  at  work  repre- 
senting both  the  Christian  and  Mahommedan  religions.  The 
evils  of  alcoholism  are  at  present  confined  to  the  coast,  but  the 
opening  up  of  the  railway  from  Dar-es-Salaam  to  Tabora,  and 
its  extension  to  Ujiji,  gives  an  opportunity  of  the  introduction  of 
alcoholic  liquors  to  the  natives  of  the  interior,  unless  the  pro- 
visions of  the  Brussels  General  Act,  1890,  are  rigidly  enforced. 

Italian  East  Africa. — The  territory  under  Italian  influence 
consists  of  the  colony  of  Eritrea  and  Italian  Somaliland.  The 
combined  population  numbers  about  750,000.  Ihe  inhabitants 
are  chiefly  Arabs  and  Swalili,  with  some  Indian  settlers  in  the 
latter,  and  Abyssinians  and  Negroes  in  the  former.  Practically 
the  whole  of  these  people  are  Mahommedans,  so  that  a very 
small  quantity  of  any  kind  of  intoxicating  liquor  is  imported, 
except  for  a few  Europeans  and  the  Italian  military  garrison. 

Portuguese  East  .Africa. — The  Government  of  Portugal 
has  authority  over  the  two  provinces  of  Lorenco  Marques  and 
Mozambique,  which  together  form  Portuguese  East  Africa. 
The  population  was  estimated  in  1911  to  be  about  3,000,000,  of 
which  only  about  10,000  were  Europeans.  Whether  from  the 
unsettled  state  of  affairs  in  the  home  country,  or  from  an  in- 
difference to  the  welfare  of  the  native  population,  the  Portuguese 
management  of  th»  liquor  traffic  in  East  .Africa  is  the  worst  on 
record.  A'isitors  describe  the  condition  of  the  natives  of  the 


221 


Port  of  Lorenco  Marques  as  both  beastly  and  disgusting,  due  to 
excessive  drunkenness.  Many  men,  not  Temperance  reformers, 
are  protesting  against  the  inaction  of  Portugal,  and  in  the  inter- 
est of  common  humanity  call  for  international  interference. 

Mr.  John  .\bbey,  who  spent  several  years  in  .\frica,  writes  : — ■ 

“ As  regards  drunkenness  in  Portuguese  territory,  I am 
“ assured  by  those  who  have  resided  there  for  many  years  that 
“ drunkenness  and  all  the  moral  evils  arising  out  of  it  abound 
“ there,  but  the  convictions  are  kept  down  by  the  police.  These 
“ poor  creatures  are  left  to  lie  about  the  ground  sleeping  off 
“ their  drunkenness.  It  is  well  known  that  vast  numbers  of  the 
“natives  of  Portuguese  East  .A^frica  are,  from  a moral  stand- 
“ point,  in  a most  deplorable  condition,  mainly  through  the 
“ effects  of  alcohol.’’ 

Christian  and  Mohammedan  missionaries  are  striving  to 
convert  the  people  to  the  faiths  each  represent,  but  unfortunately 
the  missionary  is  greatly  handicapped  owing  to  the  enormous 
amount  of  intoxicating  liquors  imported  into  these  territories, 
especially  from  Delagoa  Ray,  from  which  place  it  is  carried,  by 
means  of  the  ever-extending  railway,  into  the  interior. 

i\I.\DAGASCAR. — The  actioti  of  European  and  .American  Gov- 
ernments toward  Madagascar,  has  been  of  the  most  shameful 
character.  In  the  early  part  of  the  nineteenth  century,  British 
planters  in  Mauritius  began  to  grow  sugar  and  manufacture 
rum.  A quantity  of  this  spirit  was  shipped  to  Madagascar.  The 
result  is  declared  to  have  been  appalling.  Large  numbers  of 
the  inhabitants  became  so  addicted  to  drinking  and  drunkenness 
that  King  Radama  I.  ordered  the  destruction  of  all  the  liquor  on 
the  island.  For  that  destroyed,  a part  of  the  cost  was  paid  out 
of  his  private  income.  He  also  tried  to  stop  any  further  importa- 
tion of  liquor.  The  British  Government,  however,  interfered, 
and  compelled  the  king  to  admit  the  liquor  and  arrange  for  its 
sale.  On  ascending  the  throne,  King  Radama  If.  became  so 
addicted  to  drinking  rum  that  he  became  a complete  maniac. 

The  next  stage  in  the  deplorable  degradation  of  Madagascar 
was  undertaken  by  the  United  States  of  America.  With  a view 
to  restricting'  the  traffic  as  far  as  possible.  King  Radama  I.  im- 
posed a duty  of  33  per  cent,  on  the  importation  of  alcoholic 
liquors.  In  1867,  Mr.  Finkelmeier,  LTnited  States  Consul,  in 
Madagascar,  urged  that  the  duty  should  be  reduced  to  10  per 
cent.  The  United  States  Government  supported  this  supposed 
disinterested  action  of  their  consul,  and  eventually  Madagascar 
had  to  submit.  Later  it  was  discovered  that  the  consul’s  son 
was  engaged  in  the  liquor  traffic  at  Tamatave,  and  opening  up 
an  extensive  traffic  with  merchants  in  Madagascar, 


222 


In  1868  Queen  Ranavolona  II.  ascended  the  throne,  and 
knowing  the  terrible  results  of  the  liquor  traffic  among  her  peo- 
ple, determined  to  take  a bold  stand  against  the  importation  of 
any  kind  of  alcoholic  liquor.  At  first  the  duties  were  again 
largely  increased,  but  with  little  practical  good,  whilst  attempts 
at  limiting  the  sale  had  similar  results.  Seeing  the  havoc  still 
going  on  among  the  people  she  determined  to  prohibit  the  im- 
portation and  sale  of  all  intoxicating  liquors.  To  secure  this 
she  issued  a special  proclamation  in  1876,  ordering  all  liquor 
places  to  be  closed,  and  the  liquor  to  be  deported  or  destroyed. 
The  officers  at  the  ports  were  also  instructed  not  to  admit  any 
further  consignment  under  any  circumstances  whatever.  The 
Queen  was  deaf  to  all  the  pleadings  of  the  traders  and  the  threats 
of  the  various  Governments.  She  declared  her  first  duty  was 
to  look  after  the  moral,  physical  and  religious  welfare  of  her 
people.  The  success  of  Prohibition  was  acknowledged  by  all 
the  authorities  and  missionaries  on  the  Island.  A complete 
change  was  soon  observed  in  the  habits  of  the  people. 
.Although  some  liquor  was  smuggled  into  the  countr}-, 
drunkenness  and  crime  practically  disappeared,  and  great  was 
the  rejoicing  among  the  missionaries  and  others  having  the  wel- 
fare of  the  island  at  heart.  Upon  the  Queen  learning  that  some 
of  the  religious  people  used  fermented  wine  at  the  sacrament, 
she  caused  the  Malagasy  law  to  be  put  into  force,  viz.,  that  only 
the  pure  juice  of  the  grape  should  be  used  for  such  a purpose. 
The  next  monarch.  Queen  Ranovolona  III.,  came  to  the  throne. 
She  issued  a proclamation,  in  which  she  intimated  that  the  pro- 
hibition of  the  liquor  traffic  would  be  continued,  because  of  its 
beneficial  results  to  the  nation.  So  for  twenty  years  Madagascar 
had  a rigid  enforcement  of  law  against  alcohol,  and  the  records 
show  that  never  in  its  history  was  the  country  more  prosperous 
or  contented. 

In  1896  difficulties  arose  with  France,  and  when  new  treaties 
were  being  executed  between  the  two  countries,  the  liquor  sellers 
protested  that  Prohibition  was  in  restraint  of  trade.  The  French 
Government  upheld  this  contention,  and  the  dispute  continued 
until  France  succeeded  in  securing  a complete  sovereignty  over 
the  Island.  The  Queen  was  deposed  and  sent  into  exile.  Pro- 
hibition repealed,  and  the  liquor  traffic  once  more  established 
with  all  the  horrors  it  brings  in  its  train.  Thus  three  of  the 
greatest  nations  of  history — Great  Britain,  France,  and  the 
United  States  of  .\merica — have  violated  the  highest  and  best 
interests  of  this  people,  to  secure  a market  for  ^lauritius  rum, 
French  wines,  and  Tamatave  spirits, 


CHAPTER  IV 


West  Africa 

“ Looked  at  superficially,  there  seems  to  be  no  possibility  of  doubting' 
that  to  raise  a paying  trade  rapidly  there  is  absolutely  nothing  like  spirits. 
But  let  us  ask,  ‘ Is  it  a trade  which  will  continue  to  grow?  Will  it  pay  in 
the  long  run  ? Will  commerce  thrive  and  branch  out?  Will  the  country 
flourish  under  such  a system  ? ’ To  these  questions  I answer  emphatically 
No  ! a thousand  times  No  ! A trade  which  commences  with  gin  will  continue 
with  gin  and  will  end  with  gin.  Industry  and  thrift  cannot  be  found  in  such 
compan_v,  and  witli  the  absence  of  these  there  can  be  found  no  development 
of  the  mineral  and  vegetable  riches  ot  the  country.  In  these  facts  lies  the 
secret  of  the  astoundingly  small  progress  our  West  Coast  Settlements  have 
made  through  all  the  long  period  they  have  been  in  our  hands.” 

J.  IJwmson,  F.  R.G.S. , i\  fa7icJtesfei-  (1SS7). 


While  Temperance  reformers  rejoice  greatly  over  the  Prohi- 
bition Zone  adopted  by  the  Brussels  Conference  of  the  Powers  in 
i8go,  they  greatly  regret  the  continually  increasing  amount  of 
European  spirits  which  is  being  Imported  into  all  the  West 
African  Coastal  Colonies.  The  Zone  of  International  Agreement 
for  the  control  and  Prohibition  of  the  spirit  traffic,  as  defined  by 
the  Brussels  General  .Act,  extends  from  20°  north  latitude  down 
to  22°  south  latitude,  and  from  the  .Atlantic  Ocean  on  the  West 
to  the  Indian  Ocean  on  the  East,  including  the  adjacent  islands  as 
far  as  100  sea-miles  from  the  coast.  Some  idea  of  the  vastness 
of  the  territory  which  by  International  agreement  it  was  decided 
to  protect  from  any  further  inroads  from  the  liquor  traffic,  may 
be  gathered  from  the  fact  that  its  length  in  round  figures  is  3,000 
miles,  and  its  breadth,  at  its  widest  point,  about  4,600  miles.  A 
territory  which  occupies  nearly  one-fifth  of  the  land  surface  of  the 
globe. 

West  Africa  extends  from  Cape  Colony  in  the  South  to 
Senegal  in  the  North.  In  this  vast  area  large  tracts  of  territory 
are  under  the  control  of  the  Governments  of  Belgium,  France, 
Germany,  Great  Britain,  Portugal,  and  the  Republic  of  Liberia. 
All  the  people  who  have  accepted  the  principles  of  Mohammedan- 
ism, Bishop  Ingram  stated  in  1897,  are  always  ready  to  side  with 
the  missionaries  against  the  liquor  traffic.  It  Is  unfortunate  that 
this  cannot  be  said  of  the  Europeans  who  are  regarded  as  the 
Christian  portion  of  the  population.  Comparing  the  two  religions 
in  her  “ Travels  In  West  Africa,”  Miss  Mary  H.  Kingsley  says  : 

‘‘  They  (Mohammedans)  are  undoubtedly  the  gentlemen  of 
” tlie  .Sierra  Leone  native  population,  and  they  are  becoming  an 


224 


“ increasing  faction  in  the  town,  by  no  means  to  the  pleasure  of 
“ the  Christians.  ” 

Quite  a host  of  travellers  speak  of  the  sobriety  of  “ those 
regions  which  are  inhabited  mainly  by  Mohammedans,”  or  the 
vast  mass  of  the  natives,  before  the  European  liquor  trader  intro- 
duces intoxicating  liquors. 

Sir  H.  H.  Johnston,  G.C.M.G. , the  famous  African  traveller, 
says  : — 

‘‘  The  restrictive  measures  of  the  Brussels  General  Act 
‘‘  should  be  extended  to  all  parts  of  Africa  inhabited  by  the 
” negroes.  I should  like  to  see  a prohibition  policy  similar  to  that 
“ in  force  over  such  a large  proportion  of  the  United  States 
” applied  to  the  whole  of  Africa.  In  taking  this  step  we  should 
‘‘  seek  the  co-operation  of  Liberia,  because  it  is  little  use  exclud- 
” ing  spirits  from  Sierra  Leone  or  the  French  Ivory  Coast  if  they 
” are  to  be  introduced  on  to  Liberian  territory  and  thence  circu- 
” late  throughout  the  regions  of  Inner  West  Africa.  No  matter 
‘‘  what  excuses  and  palliations  may  be  advanced,  I think  distilled 
” spirits  are  extremely  harmful  to  all  races  of  mankind,  but  most 
” of  all  to  those  who  dwell  in  tropical  climates.” 

Belgi.vn  Congo. — The  Congo  Free  State,  which  sprung  into 
existence  in  1882  through  the  discoveries  of  Sir  H.  M.  Stanley, 
under  the  authority  of  the  late  King  of  the  Belgians,  Leopold  11. 
In  1908  it  was  annexed  to  Belgium,  and  is  now  a Colony  of  that 
country.  Its  administration  is  conducted  by  a Colonial  Council, 
presided  over  by  the  Minister  of  the  Colonies.  .Almost  from  the 
commencement  of  the  Congo  Free  State,  the  people  passed 
through  troublous  times.  Frightful  attrocities  were  committed  in 
many  parts  of  the  country,  which  aroused  indignation  through- 
out the  civilised  world.  The  action  of  alcohol  in  connection  with 
these  outrages  was  little  noticed  except  in  Temperance  and  mis- 
sionary circles  and  will  now  never  be  fully  known  or  appreciated 
by  the  general  public. 

The  effects  of  intoxicating  liquors  upon  the  natives  is  illus- 
trated in  many  of  the  missionary  reports  sent  from  the  Congo. 
The  Rev.  C.  B.  .Antisdel  said  : — 

” The  greatest  hindrance  to  our  work  is  rum.  There  are 
‘‘  five  trading  stations  wdthin  two  miles  of  my  station.  Their 
‘ ‘ chief  article  of  barter  is  rum.  The  houses  sell  each  week  a 
” hogshead  of  this  death-dealing  drink.  In  going  toward  Sumba, 
‘‘  w'here  the  trading-houses  are  located,  it  always  makes  my  heart 
” ache  as  I meet  people  returning  from  there,  nine  out  of  ten 
” having  but  rum,  for  which  they  have  exchanged  their  produce, 
‘‘  palm-kernels,  palm-oil,  rubber,  peanuts,  and  beans.  Unless 
” something  is  done  to  stay  this  iniquitous  traffic,  this  people 


225 


“ will  soon  be  extinct.  This  section  is  being  depopulated 
“ rapidly.  ” 

The  Government  of  the  Congo  Free  .State,  seeing  the  mis- 
chief created  by  alcoholic  liquors,  prohibited  their  importation 
beyond  the  Kpozo  River.  By  this  action,  and  the  Brussels 
General  Act,  a territory  of  nearly  1,500,000  square  miles  was 
freed  from  the  legal  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors.  A narrow  slip  of 
country  bordering  on  the  Portuguese  territory  was  unfortunately 
exempt  from  this  Prohibition  law,  and  has  been  the  centre  of 
much  trouble  ever  since.  King  Leopold  and  his  officials  of  the 
CongO' — whatever  atrocities  they  may  have  permitted — appear 
to  have  administered,  during  the  last  few  years  of  their  authority, 
the  Prohibition  law  with  a strict  and  firm  hand.  This  may  have 
been  from  a selfish  motive  arising  from  their  desire  to  secure 
more  effective  native  labour  in  the  production  of  rubber,  but 
whatever  the  motive,  the  effect  was  most  beneficial  to  the  people. 

In  igi2  the  Belgian  Government  and  Parliament  passed  a 
new  law  prohibiting  the  sale  of  spirits  to  natives  throughout  the 
whole  of  the  Belgian  Congo,  commencing  from  the  ist  of  Janu- 
ary, 1913.  The  new  law  extends  the  Prohibition  over  the  terri- 
tory bordering  on  the  Portuguese  Colony  on  the  south  and  the 
French  Congo  on  the  north.  Mr.  W.  J.  Lamont,  the  British 
Consul  at  Boma,  commenting  on  the  new  law,  in  his  report  to  the 
British  Government,  says  : — “ This  action  has  been  rendered 
necessary  by  the  ravages  caused  by  the  consumption  of  trade- 
rum  and  gin  among  the  natives.” 

British  West  Africa. — The  four  Colonies  under  British 
authority  are  Gambia,  Gold  Coast,  Nigeria  (Northern  and  South- 
ern) and  Sierra  Leone.  The  total  population  in  1912  was  esti- 
mated to  be  about  21,000,000,  of  which  only  a very  small  number 
are  Europeans.  The  climate  is  such  that  Europeans  are  unable 
permanently  to  reside  in  any  of  the  colonies. 

Gambia. — The  Crown  Colony  and  protectorate  of  Gambia, 
founded  in  1843,  was  created  a separate  Government  in  1888.  It 
consists  of  a group  of  islands — St.  Mary,  British  Kombo,  Al- 
breda.  Ceded  Mile,  MacCarthy,  various  other  smaller  islands, 
and  some  territory  on  the  banks  of  the  river  Gambia.  The  Gov- 
ernment is  vested  in  a Governor  with  Executive  and  Legislative 
Councils.  The  population  is  about  165,000,  mostly  Moham- 
medans, yet  among  the  chief  imports  are  spirits,  wine  and 
tobacco. 

Mr.  H.  M.  B.  Griffith,  acting  Governor  in  1906,  stated  in  an 
official  report  : — 

‘‘  No  powers  of  Local  Option  in  regard  to  the  issue  or  re- 
‘‘  newal  of  licences  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  are  con- 


p 


226 


“ ferred  upon  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony.  The  Licensing- 
“ Authority  in  the  Colony  is  the  Colonial  Treasurer,  and  in  the 
“ Protectorate  the  Travelling  Commissioners.” 

The  whole  system  of  licensing  the  liquor  traffic  is  bad,  every- 
thing being  done  in  the  interest  of  the  revenue.  The  inhabitants 
have  no  voice  in  the  matter  whatever,  so  that  if  a licence  is 
granted  against  the  wishes  of  the  people,  they  have  no  oppor- 
tunity of  appealing  against  the  decision,  but  if  the  licence  is 
refused,  the  applicant  has  the  right,  in  each  case,  to  appeal  to 
the  Governor, 

Gold  Coast. — The  Jurisdiction  of  the  British  Government 
was  decided  upon  in  1S44  but  the  present  constitution  was  fixed 
by  royal  charter  in  1876.  A Governor  and  Executive  and  Legis- 
lative Councils  administer  the  governmental  authority.  'Llie 
population  in  1912  was  about  1,560,000,  distributed  as  follows  : — 
Gold  Coast  Colony,  900,000;  Ashantee,  290,000;  Northern  Ter- 
ritories, 370,000;  of  which  total  population  only  about  1,000  are 
whites.  Mohammedanism  and  Christianity  are  steadily  growing, 
but  the  great  majority  of  the  natives  are  stated  to  be  pagans. 

A large  portion  of  Ashantee  and  the  whole  of  the  Northern 
Territories  are  under  Prohibition  by  means  of  the  Brussels 
General  Act,  but  the  importation  of  spirits  into  the  Gold  Coast 
Colony,  is  repeatedly  causing  trouble,  not  only  in  the  Gold  Coast 
but  in  Ashantee  and  the  Northern  Territories.  The  Colonial 
Legislative  Council  is  continually  having  to  consider  the  liquor 
question,  and  a number  of  Ordinances  have  been  passed  prohi- 
biting the  importation  of  spirituous  liquors  and  wine,  but  always 
with  this  proviso,  ‘‘  except  under  certain  restrictions.”  Thus  the 
evils  they  seek  to  remove  are  extended  and  perpetuated.  By  the 
‘‘  Customs  Amendment  Ordinance,  1912,”  the  importation  of  all 
distilling  apparatus  and  machinery  is  prohibited  ‘‘  unless  the 
sanction  of  the  Governor-in-Council  shall  have  been  first  ob- 
tained.” By  another  Ordinance  the  natives  are  prohibited  the 
use  of  spirits  ‘‘  except  in  the  case  of  sickness,”  but  beer  is  now 
excluded  from  these  restrictions.  Tlius  the  Legislative  Council 
pass  all  kinds  of  pious  Ordinances  in  favour  of  Prohibition,  with 
provisos  and  loopholes  which  render  them  ineffective.  The  amount 
of  spirits  imported  during  the  six  years  ending  1911  showed  an 
increase  of  over  34  per  cent,  to  the  said  period  and  a consump- 
tion of  one  gallon  per  head  of  the  population.  This  is  a terrible 
drain  upon  the  poverty  of  the  people  ” as  well  as  a tremendous 
obstacle  in  the  way  of  those  who  are  struggling  to  lead  these 
people  out  of  barbarism  into  civilisation.”  The  Good  Templars, 
W.W.C.T.  U.,  and  the  various  Missionaries,  are  doing  their 


227 


utmost  to  counteract  the  evils  of  the  liquor  traffic  and  to  secure 
its  entire  Prohibition. 

Nigeria. — The  enormous  territory  of  Nigeria,  which  for 
many  years  had  been  under  the  administrative  control  of  the 
Royal  Niger  Company,  in  igoo,  was  changed  into  the  Colony 
and  Protectorate  of  Southern  Nigeria,  and  the  Protectorate  of 
Northern  Nigeria.  In  1913  the  whole  territory  was  amalgamated 
into  one  administrative  Colony,  under  one  Governor,  with  an 
Executive  and  Legislative  Councils.  The  population  is  roughly 
estimated  to  number  about  18,000,000,  very  few  of  whom  are 
Europeans.  The  natives  are  mostly  Mohammedans,  and  in  the 
Northern  territories  are  protected  from  the  liquor  traffic  by  means 
of  the  Brussels  General  Act.  Unhappily,  the  import  of  spirits 
into  Southern  Nigeria  steadily  grows,  injuriously  affecting  those 
areas  under  the  beneficent  prohibition  law.  Experience  shows 
that  the  only  security  for  the  natives  is  tO'  extend  the  prohibition 
law  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  coast,  until  the  importation  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors  is  prohibited  entirely  on  the  sea-board. 

Sir  George  Goldie,  under  whose  administration  of  Northern 
Nigeria,  the  smuggling  of  spirits  was  largely  suppressed,  in 
speaking  to  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Native  Races  and  the 
Liquor  Traffic  Committee  in  1895  said  : — • 

“ I must  admit  that  I should  despair  of  that  country  alto- 
“ gether,  for  I should  have  no  hopes  of  its  industry  being 
“ developed,  if  the  liquor  traffic  were  allow’ed  to  gain  possession 
“ of  it,  because,  in  the  first  place,  that  traffic  tends  to  encourage 
“ and  develop  a spirit  of  idleness — no  one  will  deny  that;  in  the 
“ second  place,  it  kills  all  other  trade,  and  leads  to  no  further 
“ wants,  to  no  desire  for  civilisation;  and,  in  the  third  place,  the 
“ drink  traffic  itself  must  find  a limit.  It  would  therefore  be  a 
“ calamity  if  the  liquor  traffic,  now  increasing  by  leaps  and 
“ bounds,  is  not  at  once  put  a stop  to.” 

Yet,  five  years  after  this  important  statement  by  one  of 
Britain’s  most  able  administrators  in  .Africa,  the  Board  of  Trade 
Returns  show  that  the  importation  of  spirits  has  largely  in- 
creased, and  is  increasing  year  by  year.  Beginning  with  igoo, 
which  is  the  first  calendar  year  given  in  the  Returns,  the  follow- 
ing table  shows  the  steady  increase,  taking  the  average  of  three 
years  in  each  case  : — 


1900-1902  2,614,680  gallons. 

1903-1905  2,902,895  ,, 

1906-1908 3,462,9.55 

1909-19”  4,203,588  ,, 


Tills  is  an  increase  of  1,588,908  gallons  between  the  first  and 
the  last  triennial  periods,  being  at  the  rate  of  over  61  per  cent. 


228 


Mr.  Thomas  Welsh,  a member  of  the  Liverpool  Chamber  of 
Commerce,  in  1903,  in  an  article  entitled  “ Contrasts  in  African 
Legislation,”  published  by  the  African  Society,  said  : — 

“ A few  years  ago  such  liquor  was  quite  unknown  in  Lagos. 

” Now,  what  puzzles  one  is,  why  the  ‘ coloured  person  ’ on  the 
‘‘  West  Coast  of  Africa  should  get  as  much  absolute  alcohol  as 
‘‘  he  likes,  even  with  the  injurious  proportion  of  2.68  per  cent,  of 
‘‘  fusel  oil,  while  the  one  in  the  Transvaal  gets  clapped  into  gaol 
‘‘  if  he  procures  a glass  of  beer  or  spirits,  and  why  should  the 
” illicit  retailers  in  the  Transvaal  be  stigmatised  by  Lord  Milner 
” as  ‘ undesirables  ’ and  be  liable  to  such  extreme  penalties  for 
‘‘  selling  liquor,  while  on  the  West  Coast  no  restriction  whatever 
‘‘  exists,  no  limit  is  placed  upon  the  number  of  licences  granted, 
‘‘  and  no  inquiry  is  made  as  to  the  character  of  the  licensee.  For 
” this  violation  of  fixed  principle  we  shall  sooner  or  later  have  to 
‘‘  pay  a heavy  price;  all  experience  shows  that  national  blunders 
‘‘  entail  retribution  just  as  much  as  individual  blunders.” 

Bishop  Tugwell,  who  has  done  so  much  for  the  natives  of 
West  Africa,  writing  to  the  Times,  September,  1907,  gives  a 
shocking  account  of  the  ravages  caused  by  cheap  gin  among  the 
natives  of  Southern  Nigeria.  He  declares  that  there  is  a grave 
physical  deterioration  of  the  race,  as  shown  by  the  fact  that  in 
some  areas  the  death-rate  exceeds  the  birth-rate,  with  a fearfully 
high  infantile  mortality.  The  Ven.  .Archdeacon  Crowther  also 
declared  that  steamers  were  arriving  every  fortnight  at  the  ports 
of  Southern  Nigeria  laden  with  gin,  and  a trader  in  Abeokuta 
states  : — 

‘‘  Gin  has  become  the  currency  of  the  country.  It  is  the 
‘‘  means  by  which  we  get  cash  with  which  to  purchase  produce, 
‘‘  and  in  order  to  get  cash  spirits  are  even  sold  at  a loss.  If  the 
” British  Government  were  to  open  banks,  and  supply  cash  at 
‘‘  reasonable  rates,  the  liquor  traffic  would  receive  a serious 
‘ ‘ blow.  ’ ’ 

In  1912  the  question  of  the  liquor  traffic  and  the  native  races 
of  .Africa  was  again  before  the  Brussels  Conference  of  the  great 
Powers,  but  unfortunately  the  representatives  failed  to  reach  an 
agreement  as  to  further  International  action  for  enlarging  the 
Prohibition  Zone,  or  restricting  the  ever-increasing  importation 
of  spirits  into  the  country.  Mr.  L.  Ah  Harcourt,  M.P.,  Secretary 
of  State  for  the  British  Colonies,  however,  gave  instruction  to 
the  officials  in  Nigeria,  to  adopt  the  following  reforms  : — 

1.  That  three  thousand  square  miles  of  the  hinterland  of 
Southern  Nigeria  should  be  placed  under  absolute  Prohibition. 

2.  That  powers  are  conferred  upon  the  Governor-in-Council 
to  declare  further  areas  to  come  under  the  Prohibition  law. 

3.  That  the  Distilleries  Ordinance  of  1910  is  repealed  and  in 


229 


its  place  the  “ Distillation  of  Spirits  Prohibition  Ordinance, 
igi2,  be  adopted.  This  latter  prohibits  distillation. 

There  has  also  (1913)  been  established  a silver  currency  in 
place  of  the  gin  currency.  The  duty  on  spirits  has  been  increased 
from  5s.  to  6s.  3d.  per  gallon  at  an  alcoholic  strength  of  50  per 
cent,  centigrade,  and  Government  vessels  have  been  prohibited 
from  carrying  spirits  up  the  river  Ewayong,  so  that  as  Mr. 
HarcO'urt,  the  Colonial  Secretary,  states: — “If  they  (spirits) 
go  up  they  can  only  go  in  native  canoes  and  craft  of  that  kind. 
If  the  limits  are  to  be  altered,  I think  it  is  possible  we  might  come 
down  to  Rensara,  where  the  river  divides,  and  make  that  a 
stopping  place  for  the  conveyance  of  liquor  by  stream.”  Efforts 
are  also  being  made  to  prevent  the  carriage  of  spirits  on  the 
various  railroads. 

Sierra  Leone. — The  territory  of  Sierra  Leone  was  ceded  to 
the  British  by  the  native  chiefs  in  1787.  It  was  first  used  as  a 
kind  of  asylum  for  destitute  negroes  and  liberated  slaves  from 
England,  the  West  Indies  and  the  United  States.  A number  of 
Africans  taken  in  the  capture  of  slave  ships  on  the  AA^est  Coast  of 
Africa  were  conveyed  there  and  placed  in  suitable  employment. 
The  present  Protectorate  was  established  in  i8g6,  the  administra- 
tion of  which  is  in  the  hands  of  a Governor  with  an  Executive  and 
Legislative  Councils.  The  population  was  estimated  in  1912 
tO'  be  about  1,400,000,  of  which  less  than  1,000  are  whites. 

Sir  Leslie  Probyn,  C.M.G.  Governor  of  Sierra  Leone  (1904- 
1910)  proved  to  be  one  of  the  most  enlightened  of  British  admin- 
istrators. Sir  Leslie  kept  twO'  things  in  mind  during  his  governor- 
ship. Facing  the  obvious  facts — which  defenders  of  the  liquor 
traffic  like  Mr.  E.  D.  Morel  either  deny  or  endeavour  to  explain 
away — that  the  spirit  importation  is  steadily  increasing  and 
threatens  to  become  a tremendous  curse,  he  suggested  the  forma- 
tion of  a native  Temperance  propaganda  in  order  to  educate  the 
inhabitants  on  the  evils  and  dangers  of  spirit  drinking.  He  also 
established,  with  the  approval  of  Lord  Crewe,  who  was  then 
Colonial  Secretary,  the  principle  of  Local  Option  by  Chiefdom, 
by  which  chiefs  and  people  can  meet  in  public  assembly,  and  if 
they  so  desire,  they  can  by  popular  vote  there  and  then  shut  out 
the  spirit  traffic  from  their  respective  districts. 

Sierra  Leone  has  perhaps  suffered  less  than  the  other  African 
Colonies  and  the  effect  of  Local  Option  by  Chiefdom  remains  to 
be  seen.  Two  difficulties  are  reported  to  stand  in  the  way  of  any 
great  success.  One  is  that  a number  of  the  Chiefs  are  financially 
interested  in  the  sale  of  spirits,  by  holding  licences — as  is  also 
the  case  on  the  Gold  Coast — and  the  other  is  that  Government 
officials  give  little  or  no  encouragement  to  Prohibition  or  the 


230 


exercise  of  the  Local  Option  powers  conferred  upon  the  chiefs 
and  their  people. 

The  importation  of  spirits  into  Sierra  Leone  has  risen  from 
319,183  gallons  in  1906  to  458,881  gallons  in  1911 — an  increase 
of  139,698  gallons  in  six  years,  or  over  43  per  cent.  The  danger 
of  this  spirit  traffic  to  the  moral,  physical  and  material  progress 
of  these  people  is  depicted  over  and  over  again  in  the  writings  of 
missionaries,  travellers  and  others.  The  Bishop  of  Sierra  Leone 
states  : — 

“ In  Bonthe  the  greatest  stumbling-block  of  all  is  the  liquor 
“ traffic;  one  feels,  of  course,  the  baleful  influence  of  it  in  Free- 
“ town.  But  in  the  Sherbro  district,  somehow,  things  are  worse. 
“ There  are  about  20  grog-shops  in  the  small  town  of  Bonthe; 
“ and  in  trading  with  the  natives  who  bring  down  the  palm 
“ kernels,  it  seems  as  though  there  is  no  article  of  civilisation,  of 
“ which  they  as  yet  appreciate  the  value,  except  spirits.  It  is 
“ terribly  sad  to  see  that  often  the  first  sign  of  advancing 
“ civilisation — up  a railway  line,  for  instance — is  the  establish- 
“ ment  of  a grog-shop.  How  we  are  to  make  the  natives  learn 
“ the  value  of  other  articles  of  trade,  or  to  have  more  wants,  is 
“ one  of  the  great  problems  we  have  to  solve.  The  native  Chiefs 
“ have  local  option,  but  few  of  them  avail  themselves  of  it  to  stop 
“ the  traffic;  they  are,  too  often,  involved  in  the  trade  themselves.” 

One  step  in  the  right  direction  has  been  made  in  the  issue  of 
an  Ordinance  prohibiting  the  distillation  of  spirits  in  the  Pro- 
tectorate similar  in  terms  to  that  adopted  in  Southern  Nigeria. 

French  West  Akkica. — The  French  territory  in  ^^'est 
Africa,  consisting  of  Dahomey,  French  Congo,  French  Guinea, 
Gabun,  Ivory  Coast,  Niger,  Senegal,  etc.  The  population,  which 
numbers  over  16,000,000,  almost  wholly  consists  of  the  aboriginal 
natives,  who  are  mainly  Mohammedans.  The  administration  is 
under  a number  of  Governors  and  Lieut-Governors  appointed  by 
the  French  Government.  The  ever-increasing  evils  of  the  liquor 
traffic,  consequent  upon  continued  growth  in  the  importation  of 
spirits  into  the  various  colonies,  have  compelled  the  French  Gov- 
ernment to  increase  the  duties  and  to  adopt  more  restrictive 
legislation.  The  want  of  uniformity  in  the  laws  of  the  various 
West  African  Colonies  greatly  conduces  to  smuggling  from  the 
areas  where  the  duty  is  light,  into  those  where  it  is  heavier.  Both 
the  French  and  German  Governments,  whose  Colonies  border 
Southern  Nigeria  on  the  West  and  East  respectively,  have  shown 
themselves  willing  to  co-operate  with  the  British  Government  in 
a restrictive  policy,  which  will  no  doubt  to  a great  extent  sup- 
press this  smuggling. 

Captain  Cromie,  the  British  Consul-General  at  Dakar,  in 
1911,  reported  that : — 


231 


“ In  the  Ivory  Coast  Colony  there  has  not  only  been  a 
“ diminution  in  wines  and  spirits,  owing  to  the  increase  in  cus- 
“ toms  duty,  but  also  it  is  hoped  owing  to  a smaller  consumption 
“ of  spirits  on  the  part  of  the  natives.” 

German  West  Africa.- — ^The  German  territory  is  repre- 
sented in  West  Africa  by  the  two  Colonies  of  Cameroon  and 
Togoland.  The  administration  is  in  the  hands  of  Governors 
appointed  by  the  German  Government.  The  population  in  1912 
was  estimated  at  about  4,500,000.  In  the  Cameroons,  the  inhabi- 
tants are  composed  of  Fula,  Hausa,  and  Bantu  natives.  The 
Fula  tribe  is  Mohammedan,  the  others  are  pagans.  In  Togoland 
the  population  is  chiefly  of  the  Hausa  tribe,  many  of  whom  are 
Mohammedans.  The  number  of  Christians  is  stated  to  be  very 
small.  Missionaries  representing  the  various  sects  of  Christians 
and  the  Mohammedans  are  very  active  throughout  the  colonies. 
A large  portion  of  the  German  territory  is  under  Prohibition, 
both  as  regards  the  importation  and  manufacture  of  spirits  as 
fixed  by  the  Brussels  General  Act,  and  in  the  other  portion  the 
duty  on  imported  spirits  has  repeatedly  been  increased.  The 
growth  in  the  consumption  of  spirits,  especially  on  the  sea- 
board, is  very  great,  and  Germany,  like  all  the  other  European 
nations,  will  be  compelled  to  adopt  a much  more  restrictive  policy 
if  the  evil  is  ever  to  be  eradicated. 

Liberia. — The  Independent  Republic  of  Liberia  was 
founded  in  1822  by  several  American  philanthropists  for  the  pur- 
pose of  settling  freed  slaves  who  desired  to  return  tO'  Africa.  For 
twenty-five  years  its  administration  was  conducted  by  white  men 
but  in  1849  it  was  made  into  a negro  Republic,  and  the  Govern- 
ment placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Liberians.  The  Government  is 
modelled  on  the  lines  of  the  United  States  of  America,  having  a 
President,  Senate,  and  House  of  Representatives.  The  inhabi- 
tants number  2,100,000,  of  which  about  12,000  are  descendants 
of  the  freed  slaves,  the  remainder  are  connected  with  various 
negro  tribes  of  Central  and  West  Africa.  The  Americo-Liberian 
population  and  about  50,000  of  the  negroes  are  Christian.  The 
main  body  of  the  negro-  population  are  Mohammedans,  but  there 
are  also-  a number  who  still  practice  cannibal  rites. 

All  through  its  histo-ry  the  Liberian  Government  has  dis- 
couraged the  selling  of  alcoholic  liquors.  Although  it  has  always 
had  a licensing  system,  very  few  licences  have  ever  been  issued 
for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  Mr.  George  D.  Ellis,  Charge 
d’Affaires,  at  the  American  Legation  Monrovia,  Liberia,  in 
1910,  stated  — 

“ The  liquor  question  in  this  Republic  is  surrounded  by  many 
” difficulties.  The  importation  of  spirituous  liquors  to  the  East 
” and  West  of  Liberia,  by  Europeans,  is  an  evil  which  seriously 


232 


“ affects  the  Republic.  Only  about  59,000  of  the  people  are  civil- 
“ ised  and  they  constitute  the  voting  class.  The  Government 
revenues  are  almost  exclusively  derived  from  import  custom 
“ duties,  and  the  abolition  of  liquor  from  revenue  would  yet  more 
“cut  down  this  income  which  is  already  inadequate  to  meet 
“ Government’s  expenses.  The  moral  sentiment  of  Liberia  is, 
“ however,  so  strongly  against  the  liquor  traffic  that  there  is 
“ not  a single  saloon  in  the  whole  Republic,  and  many  of  the 
“ merchants  refuse  to  sell  spirits  at  all.  The  prohibition  senti- 
“ ment  may  also  be  seen  by  the  infrequency  of  the  cases  of 
“ drunkenness  which  appear  in  the  Courts  or  in  the  streets.  Tliere 
“ are  less  intoxicating  liquors  used  in  Liberia  than  in  any  other 
section  of  the  ^Vest  .African  Coast,  and  the  country  is  strongly 
“ influenced  by  missionary  zeal  which  is  dominant  among  the 
“ religious  denominations.  Temperance  societies  are  active  with 
“ demonstrations,  celebrations  and  various  other  means  of 
“ agitation.  ” 

PoKTUGUESE  West  ,-Verica. — There  are  several  colonies  and 
islands  on  the  A\"est  Coast  of  .\frica  under  Portuguese  authority. 
These  are  Angola,  Guinea,  Kubinda,  d'he  Islands  of  Cape  \'erdi, 
vSan  Thome,  Principe,  etc.  I'he  administration  is  in  the  hands  of 
Governors  appointed  by  the  Government  of  Portugal.  The 
population  totals  about  6,000,000,  a very  small  portion  of  whom 
are  Europeans.  The  inhabitants  of  .Angola  are  largely  of  the 
negro  tribes,  but  there  are  several  settlements  of  Boers,  with  a 
small  number  of  whites,  principall}'  Portuguese.  Christianity 
extensively  predominates  among  both  the  native  and  the  other 
inhabitants.  In  Portuguese  Guinea,  the  inhabitants  are  mostly 
heathen,  neither  Christianity  nor  Mohammedanism  having  made 
much  progress.  The  population  of  Cape  Verdi  Islands  is  largely 
negro  and  mulatto  and  is  Christian.  The  liquor  traffic  has  been 
a constant  source  of  trouble  throughout  the  whole  of  the  Portu- 
guese territory,  and  all  authorities  admit  that  if  rum  w'as  kept 
from  the  natives  they  would  rapidly  develop  a moral  tone,  dress 
themselves  decently,  and  aspire  to  higher  things.  Drink  really 
destroys  both  civilisation  and  commerce  among  these  people. 

The  Colon}'  of  .Angola  is  the  most  ancient  of  Portuguese 
possessions  in  .Africa — dating  back  to  i486.  It  has  an  estimated 
population  of  about  4,000,000,  composed  very  largely  of  uncivil- 
ised tribes.  During  recent  years  there  has  been  much  unrest 
in  the  trade  of  the  Colony.  Mr.  J.  Mackie,  British  Consul, 
states  : — 

“ The  crisis  in  the  coffee  trade  has  conduced  to  a transition 
“ from  the  culture  of  coffee  to  that  of  sugar-cane,  and  has 
“gradually  led  to  the  distillation  of  rum,  now,  seemingly,  the 
“ only  remunerative  industry  in  .Angola  on  account  of  its  steadily 
“ increasing  consumption  among  the  native  population  and  the 


2SS 


“ prominence  it  has  attained  in  the  up-country  barter  trade.” 

In  1911  of  the  seven  sugar  refineries  which  had  been  fitted 
with  costly  plant  only  two  were  producing  sugar,  one  has  sus- 
pended work  on  aecount  of  the  dearth  of  labour,  and  all  the 
others  were  producing  rum.  The  annual  increase  in  the  consump- 
tion of  rum  has  risen  from  6,000  pipes  in  1888  to  12,000  pipes  in 
1908.  Mr.  Mackie  further  states  : — 

‘‘  .At  one  time  little  or  no  rum  was  made  in  the  colony  and 
“ what  was  used  was  imported  from  .America,  Glasgow,  and 
“ Hamburg;  now  the  distilling  of  spirits  is  an  industry  that  has 
‘‘spread  throughout  the  colony,  having  been  taken  up  by  the 
“ numerous  smaller  planters,  and  rum  is  sold  at  every  store  in 
‘‘  the  country.  The  natives  have  become  great  spirit  drinkers, 
“ and  the  craving  for  intoxicants  is  so  great  that  it  is  hardly 
‘‘  possible  to  trade  exeept  by  bartering  spirits  for  native  produce, 
‘‘or  to  secure  the  services  of  a carrier  without  plying  him  with 
“ liquor  at  every  store  on  the  road.” 

Thus  the  evil  was  permitted  to  grow  until  the  authorities  in 
1912  were  compelled  to  interfere.  Prohibiting  the  sale  of  spirits 
to  natives  in  the  territory  contiguous  to  the  Belgian  Congo,  they 
also  prohibited  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  spirits  intended  for 
the  use  of  natives  in  the  Congo  district  of  the  Portuguese  Colony 
of  Angola  from  December  30th,  1912.  .A  delay  of  two  months 
was  permitted  by  the  Ordinance,  for  the  using  up  of  the  existing 
stocks  already  in  the  district. 

The  latest  information  published  in  the  London  Daily  News 
and  Leader,  July  17th,  1913,  states  : — 

‘‘  The  rum  factories  in  Angola,  the  Portuguese  West  African 
” province,  have  been  entirely  closed. 

‘‘  .As  an  indemnity,  says  Mr.  .Acting  Consul  Fussell,  in  his 
‘‘  trade  report  for  1912,  planters  received  Government  securities 
‘‘  to  the  value  of  about  ;£,6o  ($300)  per  acre.  Twenty-five  per 
” cent,  of  this  has  already  been  paid  by  the  Treasury,  and  a 
‘‘  further  percentage  is  to  be  paid  during  the  year  1913  to  all 
‘‘  planters  who  have  not  abandoned  their  plantations,  but  have 
‘‘  taken  up  other  branches  of  agriculture.  The  Government 
” has  promised  to  pay  off  the  whole  amount  of  this  indemnity 
‘‘  within  20  years. 

” In  former  years  there  was  not  a single  agricultural  estab- 
‘‘  lishment  In  Angola  pioducing  anything  but  rum  for  local  con- 
” sumption;  even  the  plantations  under  European  management 
” in  the  coffee  districts  produced  rum,  it  being  more  remunera- 
” tive  than  coffee. 

” This  proved  disastrous  in  many  districts,  and  it  is  gener- 
‘‘  ally  acknowledged  that  had  this  state  of  things  been  allowed  to 
‘‘  continue  the  population  would  have  been  even  smaller  than 
‘‘it  Is  now. 


CHAPTER  V 


Union  of  South  Africa 

“The  Union  of  South  Africa  having-  taken  place,  the  liquor  laws  of  the 
various  States  will  have  to  be  modified  When  this  Measure  comes  before 
Parliament  we  shall  need  every  assistance  in  forcing  forward  our  views.  We 
are  in  the  midst  of  a great  movement  for  procuring  the  Direct  Popular  \'eto 
for  South  Africa  as  they  have  in  New  Zealand.  This  Measure  will  place  a 
weapon  in  the  hands  of  the  people  for  the  promotion  of  sobriety  such  as  they 
had  never  had  before.  There  is  also  a movement  by  the  coloured  people 
and  natives  in  favour  of  asking  Parliament  for  the  Prohibition  of  alcoholic 
liquors  to  their  people.  We  must  show  that  we  really  mean  what  we  say,  by 
making,  if  need  be,  sacrifices  in  order  to  secure  victory  for  both  move- 
ments."— Thomas  Searle,  G.C.T.,  Great  Brak  River  {1913). 


There  is  every  prospect  that  the  Union  of  the  South  African 
Colonies  will  open  a brighter  chapter  for  Temperance  legislation. 
The  unfortunate  war  between  the  British  and  the  Boers  gave  a 
set-back  to  the  rapidly-growing  public  opinion  in  favour  of 
drastic  legislation  in  connection  with  the  liquor  traffic.  The 
natives  and  coloured  races,  who  numbered  over  4,700,000,  out  of 
a total  population  of  about  6,000,000,  had  secured  almost  entire 
Prohibition,  while  many  restrictive  laws  had  been  adopted  in  each 
of  the  Colonies  in  reference  to  the  licensing  of  the  liquor  traffic 
among  the  whites.  The  war-cloud  burst  and  the  brewers,  dis- 
tillers, wine  and  brandy  farmers,  seized  upon  the  confused  con- 
dition of  society,  greatly  to  strengthen  their  position  in  every 
direction.  Their  political  power  so  increased,  that  when  the  war 
was  over,  and  the  inevitable  financial  and  industrial  depression 
set  in,  they  assumed  the  aggressive  and  attempted  to  repeal  the 
laws  prohibiting  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  to  the  natives,  and 
even  attempted  to  flood  the  country  with  wine  shops  for  the  sale 
of  Cape  wine. 

The  Good  Templars  and  Temperance  organisations  generally 
opposed  this  arrogance  on  the  part  of  the  liquor  party,  and  to 
some  extent  succeeded  in  preventing  the  passing  of  the  most 
retrograde  legislation.  Some  mischief  however  was  done  which 
may  take  years  to  undo.  Although  practically  the  whole  of  South 
.Africa  was  opposed  to  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  to  natives, 
the  last  .Act  of  the  Cape  Parliament  has  many  loopholes,  which 
make  it  very  difficult  to  protect  a number  of  these  people  from 
being  served  with  liquor.  The  Cape  to  Cairo  Railway  is  open- 


235 


ing  up  huge  tracts  of  country  which  are  mostly  under  the  prohi- 
bition regulation  of  the  Brussels  General  Act,  but  the  liquor 
traders  are  doing  their  utmost  to  break  through  that  barrier. 

The  Union  of  South  Africa  opens  to  the  Temperance  reformer 
much  greater  opportunities  for  obtaining  advanced  legislation, 
while  the  wine  and  brandy  farmers  will  have  much  less  political 
influence,  being  mostly  located  in  the  Cape  only.  Already  a 
strong  movement  is  on  foot  for  the  Direct  Popular  Veto,  and  in 
May,  1913,  a three-days’  debate  took  place  in  the  Senate  on  a 
resolution  proposed  by  Senator  W.  P.  Schreiner,  as  follows  ; — 

“ That  in  the  opinion  of  this  House  it  is  desirable  that  the 
“ issue  of  licences  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquor  should  be 
“ directly  controlled  by  the  people  of  the  Union,  and  with  that 
“ object  in  view  this  House  is  of  opinion  that  legislation  should 
“ be  introduced  providing  for  the  establishment  of  a system  of 
“ direct  popular  veto-,  whereby  the  people  of  each  town  and  dis- 
“ trict  shall  be  enabled  through  the  ballot-box  to  decide  at  stated 
“ intervals,  either  (a)  that  the  number  of  licences  for  the  sale 
“ of  intoxicating  liquor  shall  continue  as  it  exists  at  the  time  of 
“voting;  or  (b)  that  the  number  of  such  licences  shall  be  re- 
“ duced  ; or  (c)  that  no  such  licences  shall  be  issued.’’ 

The  resolution  was  ably  supported  but  very  strongly  op- 
posed. On  a vote  being  taken  it  was  defeated  by  a majority  of 
two.  The  vote  was  13  for  and  15  against.  An  amendment  in 
favour  of  a local  liquor  monopoly,  or  company  (as  in  Norway) 
with  “ The  right  to  prohibit  the  traffic  to  be  placed  within  the 
power  of  every  locality,’’  was  also  defeated.  The  motion  of 
Senator  Schreiner,  in  accordance  with  the  procedure  of  the 
Senate,  being  given  precedent  over  the  amendment.  Senator 
Stuart  was  prevented  from  voting  for  the  resolution  as  he  de- 
clared he  would  do  if  his  amendment  was  defeated.  Had  he  been 
able  to  vote  the  numbers  would  have  been  equal. 

The  speeches  were  well  reported  in  the  Colonial  press  and 
several  valuable  articles  written.  The  Tribune  says  : — 

“ Whether  we  consider  the  scathing  charges  laid  against 
“ ‘ the  trade  ’ by  Senator  Stuart — an  ex-Judge  of  the  Orange 
“ Free  State,  and,  therefore,  one  who  speaks  with  full  know- 
“ ledge — when  he  referred  tO'  its  exercise  of  undue  influence,  its 
“ fourfold  curse  evidenced  in  drunkenness,  immorality,  crime 
“and  poverty,  and  his  appeal  on  behalf  of  the  poorer  classes; 
“ whether  we  consider  the  dignified  and  eloquent  testimony  of 
“ General  Delarey  with  regard  to  the  evils  of  this  traffic,  the  dis- 
“ graceful  affair  at  Oudtshoorn  quoted  by  Senator  Searle,  or  the 
“ statement  of  the  mover  and  others,  the  fact  remains  that  ‘ the 
“ trade  ’ in  this  country  has,  in  the  Legislature,  been  dealt  the 
“ most  staggering  blow  it  has  ever  received.’’ 


256 


In  reference  to  the  amendment  moved  by  Senator  Stuart, 
The  Tribune  states  : — 

“ There  must  be  no  side-tracking  of  this  question;  no  glori- 
“ fied  Gothenburg  system  such  as  w’as  suggested  by  the  amend- 
“ ment  to  Senator  Schreiner’s  motion.  All  such  schemes  are 
“ welcomed  by  the  brewer  and  the  distiller  because  when  all  else 
“ has  gone  the  system  still  keeps  open  a market  for  their  pro- 
“ ducts.  They  do  not  mind  the  publican  going  to  the  wall  if 
“only  they  are  safe;  and  the  publican,  poor  fellow,  is  often  in 
“ a bad  way  owing  to  the  tied  house  system.  Xo  worker  in  the 
“ Temperance  cause  can  afford  to  be  tempted  even  by  so  alluring 
“ a bait  as  profits  devoted  to  the  provision  of  means  of  recrea- 
“ tion.  We  have  simply  to  go  straight  forward — we  can  do  that 
“ with  fresh  courage — and  to  remember  that  this  is  not  a pic- 
“ nic ; it  is  war.  ’’ 

Cape  Colony. — The  Temperance  reformers  of  the  Cape  have 
had  a strenuous  fight  for  many  years.  From  the  earliest  days 
of  the  Colony,  laws  restricting  the  sale  of  spirits  to  the  natives 
and  coloured  people,  have  been  in  force.  In  1883  a system  of 
local  option  over  new  licences  was  adopted  by  the  Cape  Parlia- 
ment, and  in  i8gi  this  power  was  extended  to  the  renewal  of 
licences.  The  law  does  not  apply  to  wholesale  or  club  licences, 
and  has  therefore  been  ineffective.  The  procedure  consists  in 
procuring  the  signatures  of  Parliamentary  voters  to  a memorial 
for  presentation  to  the  Licensing  .Authority.  No  new  licence 
can  be  granted  unless  a majority  of  the  registered  voters  in 
whose  area  the  premises  are  situated,  sign  the  memorial  in  its 
favour,  and  no  renewal  of  a licence  can  be  granted  if  two-thirds 
of  the  voters  sign  a memorial  against  its  issue.  In  the  case  of 
a renewal,  one-month’s  notice  must  be  given  to  the  licensee  and 
the  owner  of  the  premises. 

The  development  of  the  wine  and  brandy  farming  has  raised 
a number  of  serious  difficulties  never  anticipated  by  the  earlier 
legislation,  especially  that  dealing  with  the  natives.  Repeated 
efforts  have  been  made  during  recent  years,  to  repeal  or  break 
down  all  restrictions  regarding  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors, 
so  that  the  wine  and  brandy  farmers  might  have  freer  access  to 
the  native  and  coloured  population.  During  the  South  African 
War,  while  every  nerve  was  being  strained  to  secure  a British 
victory,  the  liquor  party  secured  several  concessions  and  greatly 
increased  their  political  power  in  the  Colony. 

At  the  General  Election  of  1905,  Dr.  Jameson  promised  if 
returned  to  power  he  would  carry  through  a measure  for  the  total 
prohibition  of  the  sale  of  liquor  to  the  natives.  He  was  success- 
ful, but  with  so  small  a majority  that  it  was  impossible  for  him 


237 


to  carry  out  his  promise.  In  his  appeal  to  the  country  again  in 
igo8  he  said  : — “ ITie  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  among 
the  natives  will  still  be  one  of  the  planks  in  my  platform  and  I 
expect  to  bring  it  into  law,  if  it  takes  twenty  years  to  do  it.” 
Dr.  Jameson,  however,  was  defeated,  and  Mr.  John  Y.  Merri- 
man,  a supporter  of  a State  Liquor  Monopoly,  came  into  power. 

During  Dr.  Jameson’s  premiership  only  one  Bill  succeeded 
in  getting  through  Parliament.  It  is  known  as  the  ” Cloete 
Wine  Bill.”  It  unfortunately  lowers  the  minimum  quantity  of 
wine  which  a farmer  may  sell.  The  wine  farmers  also  succeeded 
in  obtaining  from  the  Government  a loan  of  00,000  ($500,000) 
on  brandy  which  existed  or  was  supposed  to  exist  in  the  Farmers 
Store  rooms.  This  money  was  advanced  in  view  of  the  great 
depression  which  followed  at  the  close  of  the  war.  No  mention 
of  interest  or  even  the  repayment  of  the  loan  was  made  in  the 
agreement  between  the  Farmers  and  the  Governmnt,  and  great 
difficulties  have  therefore  arisen  in  reference  to  a settlement. 

After  a very  severe  contest  at  the  last  General  Election  (igo8) 
Mr.  Merriman  secured  a majority  of  30,  and  of  this  number  25 
were  representatives  of  the  brandy  farmers.  Mr.  Merriman 
therefore  became  Prime  Minister.  The  new  Government  intro- 
duced a Bill  giving  increased  facilities  for  the  sale  of  wine.  The 
Bill  was  not  brought  forward  until  the  closing  days  of  the 
Session  and  an  attempt  was  then  made  to  rush  It  through  with- 
out proper  discussion.  It  was  introduced  into  Parliament  on  a 
Friday  night  at  11.30,  printed  on  the  following  Monday,  and 
proposed  for  second  reading  on  the  Wednesday.  The  Bill  was  In 
fact  almost  adopted  before  the  people  knew  what  it  contained. 

An  alarm  was  raised  and  protest  after  protest  was  sent  to 
the  Assembly.  Mr.  Merriman  treated  these  protests  with  gross 
insolence,  but  so  great  did  the  opposition  become  that  the  Gov- 
ernment was  compelled  tO'  promise  to  introduce  a system  of  Local 
Option  in^he  Bill  and  even  then  it  was  only  carried  through 
Committee  by  the  casting  vote  of  the  Chairman.  Finally  it 
passed  the  Assembly  by  a majority  of  seven.  In  the  L'^pper 
House,  the  oposition  was  continued  with  renewed  force  and 
vigour.  The  Bill  would  have  been  defeated  had  the  Govern- 
ment not  conceded  a fuller  measure  of  Local  Option.  By  this, 
the  applicant  for  one  of  these  wine  licences  is  compelled  to 
secure  a majority  of  the  voters  before  the  licence  can  be  issued, 
and  even  then  the  Licensing  Courts  have  the  right  to  refuse  a 
licence. 

The  following  year  a Bill  was  again  introduced  and  the 
Local  Option  provision  taken  out,  the  Licensing  Authority 


238 


being  transferred  from  the  Licensing  Courts  to  the  Town  Coun- 
cils, and  the  wine  licences  only  being  permitted  to  be  issued  in 
municipalities.  In  several  localities  application  has  been  made 
under  this  Act  for  permission  to  open  wine  shops,  but  in  only 
two  cases  have  these  licences  been  granted. 

Natal. — The  present  licensing  system  of  Natal  was  enacted 
in  1896,  but  several  amendments  were  adopted  by  the  Natal 
Parliament  prior  to  the  Union  of  South  Africa.  These  laws  will 
remain  in  force  until  a general  licensing  measure  is  passed  for 
the  whole  of  South  .Africa.  There  are  several  good  points  in  the 
liquor  laws  of  Natal.  In  boroughs  and  townships  having  muni- 
cipal Government,  the  people  can,  by  a majority  vote,  prevent 
the  issue  of  new  licences.  In  all  other  places  if  a memorial  is 
presented  to  the  licensing  authority  signed  by  a majority  of  the 
electors  the  application  for  a new  licence  cannot  be  granted  for 
two  years.  If  the  application  is  renewed  at  the  end  of  two  years 
similar  action  can  again  be  taken  by  those  opposed  to  the  licence 
being  granted. 

The  sale  of  alcoholic  liquor  to  the  natives  is  prohibited,  but 
a deplorable  system  of  municipal  liquor  canteens  for  the  sale  of 
Kaffir  beer  to  the  natives  has  been  established  in  Durban,  Dun- 
dee, Greytown,  Newcastle  and  Maritzburg.  Indians  can  also 
obtain  liquor  under  certain  conditions.  These  exemptions  from 
the  general  prohibition  of  the  sate  of  intoxicants  to  natives  and 
coloured  people  have  been  the  cause  of  much  drunkenness  and 
crime,  and  protests  have  been  made  by  mine  owners,  business 
men  and  others,  against  these  exemptions  being  continued. 
The  establishment  of  municipal  liquor  canteens  for  natives  is 
considered  to  be  the  thin  edge  of  the  wedge  of  the  double  evil, 
viz.,  the  municipalisation  of  the  liquor  traffic,  and  the  adoption 
of  the  system  advocated  by  the  wine  and  brandy  farmers  who  hold 
that  the  natives — .Asiatics  and  coloured  people  generally — should 
be  as  free  to  purchase  their  liquor  as  white  people.  “ Thus,”  as 
Mr.  John  .Abbey  says,  ‘‘  The  lives  of  these  dependent  people  are 
to  be  sacrificed  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  traffic  in  liquor.” 

The  deplorable  condition  of  a number  of  Europeans,  and  the 
need  for  drastic  legislation,  is  shown  by  the  following  extract, 
taken  from  the  annual  report  of  the  Durban  .Alliance,  upon  which 
the  Good  Templar  Order,  AA’.  AA’.C.T.  U. , and  other  Temperance 
organisations  are  represented.  The  committee  states  ; — 

‘‘  AVe  deplore  the  steady  degradation  that  is  taking  place 
” among  the  native  people  by  reason  of  (i)  the  example  of  white 
‘‘  people  who,  having  become  slaves  to  intemperate  habits, 
‘‘  employ  riksha  boys  to  convey  them  to  their  homes  in  various 


239 


“stages  of  intoxication;  (2)  the  increase  of  illegal  facilities 
“ through  which  natives  and  Indians  are  able  to  gain  possession 
“ of  intoxicating  liquors  ; (3)  the  increase  of  immorality,  especially 
“among  native  women,  through  these  facilities;  and  (4)  the 
“ quality  of  the  liquor  that  is  sold  to  the  Indians  and  natives.  A 
“ moment’s  consideration  will  convince  anyone  of  the  terrible 
“temptation,  and  the  awful  character  of  the  example  placed 
“ before  these  people,  and  no  one  can  be  surprised  if  they  lose 
“ their  respect  for  the  white  man  under  these  circumstances.  We 
“ would  urge  all  who  have  taken  a keen  interest  in  this  matter 
“ not  to  lose  heart  nor  to  slacken  their  efforts  to  remedy  the  de- 
“ fects  of  the  present  law,  especially  such  as  relates  to  the  penal- 
“ ties  for  illegal  sale  of  liquor  to  natives  and  Indians,  etc.’’ 

In  the  Union  Parliamentary  elections  the  Temperance  policy 
adopted  in  the  other  parts  of  South  Africa  was  thoroughly  car- 
ried out,  with  the  result  that  a number  of  candidates  pledged  to 
Temperance  reform  were  elected.  The  Temperance  and  social 
reformers  of  Natal  are  demanding  (i)  The  codification  of  the 
licensing  laws  for  the  whole  of  South  Africa,  (2)  The  total  prohi- 
bition of  the  sale  of  intoxicants  to  natives  and  coloured  people, 
and  (3)  the  direct  popular  veto  over  the  issue  and  renewal  of  all 
licensing  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors. 

Orange  Free  State. — There  is  no  provision  in  the  laws  of 
the  Orange  Free  State  enabling  the  people  to  vote  on  the  question 
of  licence  or  no-licence.  Even  on  new  licences  they  have  no  voice 
in  the  matter.  The  licensing  courts  are  appointed  by  the  Govern- 
ment, they  have  full  discretion  to  grant  or  refuse  licences,  but 
these  licences  can  only  be  issued  in  towns  and  villages — they  are 
prohibited  altogether  in  the  country  areas.  Prior  to  amalgamation 
with  the  other  South  African  Colonies,  both  political  parties  in 
Natal  had  agreed  upon  some  new  Temperance  legislation,  of 
which  the  following  were  the  main  items  : — (a)  Temperance 
education  in  all  Government  Schools ; (b)  the  total  prohibition 
of  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  to  natives ; (c)  reverting  to  the 
liquor  laws  that  were  in  force  in  the  time  of  the  old  Orange  Free 
State;  and  (d)  the  adoption  of  a system  of  local  option,  by  which 
the  people  in  any  given  area  shall  have  power  to  prohibit  the 
issue  of  any  licences  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  The 
Union  of  South  Africa  prevented  the  consumption  of  these  re- 
forms, but  the  Temperance  and  social  reformers  of  Natal  have 
united  with  those  of  the  other  Colonies  in  the  effort  to  secure 
similar  legislation  for  the  whole  country. 

The  Transvaal. — -One  of  the  first  Ordinances  issued  by  Lord 
Milner,  after  the  war,  was  a liquor  Ordinance  (1902)  by  which 
it  was  enacted  that  the  Licensing  Courts  (appointed  by  the  Gov- 


240 


eminent)  should  have  increased  powers  over  the  liquor  traffic. 
Municipalities  were  given  power  to  oppose  on  behalf  of  the 
inhabitants,  the  grant  or  renewal  of  licences,  while  the  majority 
of  the  voters,  or  if  no  voters,  the  white  male  population  above 
21  years  of  age,  can  by  petition  or  vote,  prevent  the  licence  from 
being  issued. 

Section  78  of  the  Ordinance  was  as  follows  : — 

“ The  sale  of  liquor  (intoxicating)  in  any  village,  town,  or 
“ ward  of  a municipality  may  be  totally  prohibited  therein  by  a 
“ vote  to  that  effect  of  the  majority  of  the  voters  or  if  there  be 
“ no  voters  of  the  white  male  persons  above  the  age  of  twenty- 
“ one  years  residing  or  occupying  premises  in  such  village,  town, 
“ or  ward.  ” 

The  Licensing  Courts  in  1902  were  given  power  to  establish, 
or  revoke  a local  liquor  monopoly  in  any  municipality.  The  profits 
of  such  monopoly  may,  under  the  authority  of  the  Governor,  by 
a popular  vote,  be  devoted  to  some  public  purpose. 

In  igii  the  Johannesburg  Chamber  of  Commerce  adopted 
an  official  statement,  in  which  they  urged  : ist,  that  all  licensed 
premises  should  be  closed  on  election  days.  2nd,  that  the  exist- 
ing system  of  Local  Option  should  be  maintained.  3rd,  that  the 
liquor  traffic  should  not  be  made  into  a Government  monopoly,  or 
placed  under  the  control  of  a local  authority.  4th,  that  the  prin- 
ciple of  total  prohibition  of  the  supply  of  intoxicating  liquors  to 
coloured  persons,  whether  under  the  supervision  of  the  Govern- 
ment or  not,  should  be  strictly  maintained. 

The  Temperance  organisations  of  the  Transvaal  are  united 
with  the  other  Colonies  in  support  of  their  Temperance  pro- 
gramme, and  a thorough-going  agitation  is  on  foot  in  its  support. 
At  a great  meeting  held  in  Johannesburg,  in  April,  1913,  in  sup- 
port of  the  Direct  Popular  \'eto,  Mr.  R.  \V.  Schumacher,  the 
great  mine  owner,  presided,  and  said  : — 

“ If  the  people  here  come  forward  and  state  that  the  Direct 
“ Popular  \Tto  has  been  tried  in  other  countries  with  success,  if 
“ they  can  come  forward  and  prove  how  Local  Option,  which 
“ did  exist  in  some  parts  of  South  Africa,  had  answered,  and  if 
“ they  came  forward  and  said  that  the  Licensing  Courts  that 
“ existed  to-day  were  not  entirely  representative  of  the  wishes 
“ of  the  people,  and  that  licences,  once  granted,  were  very  diffi- 
“ cult  to  upset,  he  thought  their  case  would  be  a very  strong 
“ one.  ” 

Resolutions  in  support  of  the  motion  of  Senator  Schreiner 
in  the  South  African  Senate,  were  adopted  unanimously. 


241 


The  illicit  liquor  traffic  among  the  natives,  and  the  neglect 
on  the  part  of  the  police  to  enforce  the  prohibition  law,  is  dealt 
with  by  the  Cape  Argus  of  May  24th,  1913,  as  follows 

“ Pictures  in  Parliament.^ — The  deplorable  state  of  the  police 
“ force  in  the  Transvaal  seems  to  have  undergone  little  improve- 
“ ment  since  the  date  when  Mr.  Japie  de  Vhlliers  forced  his 
“ tyrranical  Bill  through  the  Transvaal  Legislature,  with  the 
“ result  that  300  of  the  best  men  left  the  country.  There  appears 
“ also  to  have  been  subsequent  leakage,  and  the  replacemenis, 
“ according  to  the  tale  unfolded  to-day  by  Messrs.  Nathan  and 
“ Rockey,  seem  to  have  been  for  the  most  part  very  poor  stuff. 
“ One  result  of  their  incompetence  is  that  the  illicit  liquor  traffic 
“ has  got  hopelessly  beyond  control.  Agents  are  not  infre- 
“ quently  trapped,  but,  said  Mr.  Rockey,  one  rarely  observes  the 
“ conviction  of  a principal.  The  accursed  business  appears  to  be 
“ carried  on  wholesale.  Mr.  Rockey  startled  the  House  by  men- 
“ tioning  one  case  in  which  it  was  discovered  that  37,000  dozen 
“ of  bottles  had  been  sold  by  one  man  (of  course,  through  his 
“ agents)  in  the  course  of  a single  year.  Indeed,  the  so-called 
“ repression  of  the  traffic  by  means  of  police  and  detectives  has 
“little  other  appreciable  result  than  to  create  a new  class  of 
“ criminal,  and  to  double,  or  more  than  double,  the  white  popu- 
“ lation  of  our  prisons.’’ 

Mr.  D.  Donovan,  Chief  Constable  of  Durban,  in  an  inter- 
view with  the  Natal  Mercury,  states  : — 

“ As  far  as  I can  see  there  are  only  two  things  to  be  done 
“ where  the  supply  of  liquor  to  the  natives  is  concerned — either 
“ total  prohibition  or  to  regulate  the  supply  of  the  article  you 
“ wish  him  to  consume.  As  regards  total  prohibition,  I have  had 
“considerable  experience  in  the  administration  of  such  a law, 
“ and  find  it  is  absolutely  a practical  impossibility  to  enforce 
“ Prohibition  amongst  the  native  community,  where  the  white 
“ community,  living  practically  side  by  side,  has  free  access  to 
“ all  kinds  of  intoxicants.  Such  a law  exists  to-day  in  parts  of 
“ South  Africa,  and  has  only  resulted  in  introducing  a horde  of 
“ European  illicit  liquor-sellers,  who  spend  half  their  time  in  gaol 
“ and  the  other  half  in  supplying  liquor  to  the  natives.  If  it 
“ were  possible  to  Introduce  Prohibition  for  the  whole  commim- 
“ ity,  then  perhaps  we  might  be  all  the  better  off,  and  there 
“ would  be  some  certainty  of  protecting  the  patjve  against  him? 
“ self  so  far  as  liquor  is  concerned.’’ 


o 


CHAPTER  VI 


The  Coloured  Population  and  Alcohol. 

“ The  statement  that  to  take  away  the  right  to  purchase  liquor  would  be 
followed  by  the  attempt  to  take  aw'ay  the  franchise  is  a pure  bogey,  and 
should  scare  no  one.  None  of  the  peoples  in  the  world  who  have  adopted 
Prohibition  have  lost  their  political  rights,  and  it  is  the  drunkenness  of  the 
coloured  people  of  the  Cape  which  is  far  more  likely  to  militate  against 
their  retention  of  the  franchise  than  sobriety  and  its  accompanying  virtues. 
The  more  sober,  steady,  industrious,  educated,  moral,  well-behaved  and 
useful  the  coloured  citizens  become,  the  less  likely  it  is  that  even  the 
attempt  will  ever  be  made  to  deprive  them  of  the  political  rights  which  they 
now  possess.  A prohibitory  law  means  the  taking  away  of  that  which  is  a 
curse  to  the  coloured  people — the  right  to  purchase  liquor — but  the  strength- 
ening of  their  rights  in  every  direction  that  is  really  beneficial  to  them." 

Theo.  L.  Schreiner,  M.P.,  Cape  Town  {1913), 


While  no  doubt  the  conduct  of  white  men  toward  black 
women  has  been  in  numberless  cases  of  a scandalous  character, 
which  ought  to  have  been  met  with  the  punishment  it  so  really 
deserved,  “ the  Black  Peril  ” has  become  a public  danger  that 
must  be  met  in  the  interest  both  of  the  Black  and  White  popula- 
tion of  South  Africa.  The  Johannesburg  Star,  of  May  nth, 
1912,  says  : — 

“ The  first  step  in  this  direction  is  the  consideration  and 
“ public  discussion  of  any  possible  remedies.  It  really  matters 
“ little  in  the  first  instance  whether  any  proposals  that  may  be 
“ submitted  are  or  are  not  within  the  sphere  of  practical  politics, 
“ so  long  as  they  serve  to  concentrate  public  attention  on  the 
“ fundamental  issues.” 

With  the  industrial  development  of  South  Africa,  especially 
in  the  Rand  Gold  Fields,  where  over  250,000  native  Blacks  have 
been  employed.  Tire  evil  of  serving  these  people  with  alcoholic 
liquors  was  soon  made  evident,  and  in  the  Transvaal  a very  strict 
Prohibition  law-  applicable  to  the  Blacks  was  adopted.  The  efficient 
working  of  this  beneficent  measure  has  been  largely  nullified  by 
the  existence  of  the  ordinary  licensing  laws  permitting  the  sale  of 
intoxicating  liquors  for  the  supposed  public  needs  of  the  Whites. 
The  illicit  sale  of  these  liquors  to  the  Blacks  is  thus  so  easily  ac- 
complished that  the  most  earnest  attempts  to  enforce  Prohibi- 
tion have  met  wdth  only  moderate  success.  The  result  has  been 
most  disastrous  alike  to  White  and  Black.  The  Star  declares 

‘‘  On  one  point  most  thoughtful  men  are  substantially  in 
‘‘  complete  agreement.  M'hether  it  be  right  or  wrong,  the  view’ 
‘‘  is  almost  universal  that  at  least  90  per  cent,  of  serious  native 
‘‘  crime  in  industrial  and  urban  areas  is  traceable  to  the  illicit 
‘‘  liquor  traffic,  and  that  if  the  laws  prohibiting  the  sale  of  liquor 


243 


“ to  aboriginees  could  be  enforced  effectively,  attacks  on  the 
“ honour  of  white  women,  as  well  as  the  more  serious  forms  of 
“ crime  as  a whole,  would  assume  relatively  insignificant  dimen- 
“ sions.” 

Before  the  late  unfortunate  war  between  the  British  and  the 
Boers,  public  opinion  was  growing  very  rapidly  in  favour  of 
advanced  Temperance  reform.  Practically  the  whole  of  South 
Africa  was  opposed  to  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  to  natives, 
and  there  was  every  prospect  of  securing  some  drastic  legisla- 
tion at  an  early  date.  The  war,  however,  gave  a set-back,  not 
only  to  all  these  aspirations,  but  to  much  which  had  already  been 
achieved.  The  power  of  the  liquor  traffic  was  strengthened  in 
many  directions.  In  the  Cape  Colony  a law  was  passed  permit- 
ting wine  shops  to  be  opened  at  which  natives  could  be  supplied. 
In  Natal  a deplorable  system  of  so-called  “ disinterested  ” muni- 
cipal canteens  for  the  supply  of  Kaffir  beer  to  the  natives  has  been 
established  at  Durban  and  Maritzburg.  In  the  Transvaal  and 
Orange  River  Colony  it  has  been  proposed  to-  (a)  set  up  special 
liquor  canteens  for  natives,  (b)  to  permit  employers  to  give  na- 
tive servants  liquor  in  part  payment  for  labour,  and  (c)  to  permit 
the  sale  and  gift  of  liquor  to  coloured  persons  and  Asiatics. 
Another  so-called  “ disinterested  ” Government  liquor  monopoly 
is  advocated  for  the  Transvaal,  with  the  proposal  to  keep  Tem- 
perance men  off  the  Licensing  Boards  by  having  a declaration 
from  each  member  that  he  is  not  opposed  in  principle  to  the  sale 
of  liquor,  while  Mr.  De  Villiers,  Mr.  Miinnik,  and  others  have 
gone  so  far  as  to  advocate  the  right  of  the  natives  to  drink 
wine  and  European  beers,  the  same  as  is  done  by  the  Whites. 
The  financial  and  industrial  depression  which  set  in  at  the  close 
of  the  war  gave  the  liquor  traffic  a power  they  had  never  had 
before,  and  they  used  it  for  all  they  were  worth  in  the  interest  of 
“ the  Trade.  ” 

The  coming  in  of  better  times  and  the  growing  audacity  of 
the  demands  of  the  liquor  traffic,  together  with  the  fearful  evils 
resulting  therefrom,  have  roused  public  opinion  to  the  dangers 
arising  from  the  present  system.  Such  bodies  as  the  Johannes- 
burg Chamber  of  Commerce  some  time  since  unanimously  de- 
clared as  follows  ; (i)  That  all  licensed  premises  should  be  closed 
on  election  days ; (2)  that  the  existing  system  of  Local  Option 
should  be  maintained  ; (3)  that  the  liquor  traffic  should  not  be 
made  into  a Government  monopoly ; (4)  that  the  principle  of  the 
total  prohibition  of  the  supply  of  intoxicating  liquors  to  coloured 
persons,  whether  under  the  supervision  of  the  Government  or 
not,  should  be  strictly  maintained.  The  WItwatersrand  Church 
Council,  in  a manifesto,  also  declared  : 


244 


“ Tlie  force  of  public  opinion  throug^hout  the  world  is  to- 
“ wards  the  prohibition  or  greater  restriction  of  the  liquor  traffic, 
“ and  we  should  do  all  in  our  power  to  prevent  South  Africa 
taking  a backward  step  which  is  simply  an  attempt  to  open  the 
“ door  to  the  Cape  wine  farmers  to  flood  the  Transvaal  with 
fortified  wines  as  well  as  light  wines.” 

There  is  an  accumulating  amount  of  evidence  that  ‘‘  the 
native  is  steadily  tending  to  produce  stronger  and  stronger 
drinks  of  his  own  ” from  the  encouragement  given  him  to  drink 
through  the  many  avenues  opened  up  for  the  sale  of  alcoholic 
liquors  and  the  enormous  illicit  traffic  in  these  liquors.  The 
demand  for  drastic  legislation,  even  for  total  Prohibition,  is 
growing,  but  the  difficulties  in  front  of  the  Temperance  Reform- 
ers are  very  great,  and  it  will  require  tact  and  perseverance  to 
secure  victory.  Public  opinion,  however,  is  rising,  for,  as  the 
Star  says  : — 

‘‘If  it  is  found  to  be  a fact  that  men  in  progressive  com- 
‘‘  munities  in  other  parts  of  the  world  have  thought  it  right  to 
‘‘  forego  drink  partly,  if  not  entirely,  for  the  honour  of  their 
‘‘  women,  it  will  be  for  the  men  of  Johannesburg,  to  decide 
‘‘  whether  they  who  are  similarly  situated,  will  do  likewise — or 
‘‘  whether  they  will  keep  their  drink.” 

So  important  has  the  question  become  that  numbers  of  the 
industrial  magnates  have  been  compelled  to  consider  the  matter. 
Mr.  Raymond  W.  Schumacher  in  1912  made  a long  statement 
clearly  indicating  the  lines  upon  which  the  business  men  of  the 
Transvaal  are  likely  to  advance.  Mr.  Schumacher  is  among  those 
who  have  had  the  conviction  forced  upon  them  that  until  more 
drastic  measures  are  introduced  we  shall  never  rid  ourselves  of 
‘‘  the  Black  Peril  ” and  of  other  undesirable  features  in  the  re- 
lationships of  Black  and  White.  In  a most  welcome  pronounce- 
ment, Mr.  Schumacher  states  : — 

‘‘If  the  communities  of  the  M”itwatersrand  wish  to  deal 
‘‘  effectively  with  the  question  of  ‘ the  Black  Peril,’  they  must 
‘‘go  to  the  root  of  the  matter  and  strike  there.  The  point  is 
“ that  as  long  as  there  is  a general  traffic  in  liquor,  as  long  as 
‘‘  traders  can  take  liquor  about,  can  have  access  to  all  places, 
‘‘  and  can,  for  instance,  go  and  visit  the  miners  in  their  very 
‘‘  rooms,  so  long  will  it  be  comparatively  easy  to  sell  liquor  to 
‘‘  natives.  In  other  words  it  will  be  most  difficult  to  carry  out 
‘‘  the  existing  prohibition  laws  relating  to  natives,  and  to  sup- 
‘‘  press  ‘ the  Black  Peril,’  unless  one  of  the  two  following  courses 
‘‘  is  adopted  ; — 

‘‘  (n)  Compound  the  natives  here  as  in  Kimberlej'  and  also 
‘‘abolish  the  houseboy,  as  suggested  by  the  Minister  of  Justice 
‘‘  in  the  Cape  Town  Senate  on  the  agth  .\prn,  1912. 

‘‘  (h)  Institute  total  prohibition  of  the  sale  of  ah  liquor  in 


245 


“ the  whole  Witwatersrand  area.  Total  prohibition  would  mean 
“ that  no  liquor  of  any  kind  could  be  sold  to  anybody  after  a 
“ given  date.  In  other  words,  the  supply  would  be  cut  off  for  all, 
“ rich  and  poor  alike,  and  no  more  drink  would  be  obtainable  for 
“clubs,  hotels,  private  houses,  etc. 

“ Either  of  these  courses  would  be  effective,  and  the  com- 
“ munity,  if  it  is  in  earnest,  would  eventually  probably  have  to 
“ choose  one  of  them.  I put  the  case  bluntly.  It  is  best  to  face 
“ the  position  squarely. 

“ 1 propose  to  discuss  only  the  second  course;  that  is,  the 
“ total  prohibition  of  drink,  as  it  is  in  some  respects  the  less 
“ drastic  of  the  two.  The  loss  to  a number  of  individuals — that 
“ is,  to  those  connected  with  the  liquor  trade,  and  especially  the 
“ illicit  liquor  trade — would  be  considerable.  On  the  other  hand, 
the  gain  to  the  whole  community,  both  black  and  white,  might 
“ be  enormous.  The  evil  that  drink  has  wrought  throughout 
“ South  Africa  from  one  end  to  the  other  among  the  whites,  let 
“ alone  the  blacks,  is  immeasurable. 

“ The  question  that  this  community  should  consider  at  once 
“ carefully  and  then  settle — not  in  a hurry,  but  after  due  delibera- 
“ tion- — is  whether  or  not  it  should  boldly  tackle  the  big  question 
“ of  total  prohibition  of  the  sale  of  liquor  in  the  Witwatersrand 
“ area. 

“ If  it  is  found  to  be  a fact  that  men  in  progressive  communi- 
“ ties  in  other  parts  of  the  world  have  thought  it  right  to  forego 
“ drink  partly,  if  not  entirely,  for  the  honour  of  their  women,  it 
“ will  be  for  the  men  of  Johannesburg  to  decide  whether  they, 
“ who  are  similarly  situated,  will  do  likewise — or  whether  they 
“ will  keep  their  drink.  There  is  a great  deal  at  stake.  It  is 
“ really  not  only  the  Witwatersrand  area.  If  Johannesburg  and 
“ the  Reef  towns  finally  adopt  total  prohibition  their  example 
“ will  have  a far-reaching  effect  on  the  whole  of  South  Africa.’’ 

In  the  South  African  House  of  Assembly,  on  Thursday,  May 
gth,  igi2,  the  Government  promised  that  a Commission  should 
be  immediately  appointed  to  consider  and  report  upon  this  impor- 
tant question,  and  the  Star,  commenting  upon  Mr.  Schumacher’s 
letters,  says  : — 

“ Mr.  Schumacher  makes  out  a strong,  even  an  unanswer- 
“ able,  case  in  favour  of  the  forthcoming  Commission  extending 
“ its  inquiry  to  the  conditions  and  the  laws  obtaining  in  the 
“ Southern  States  of  the  North  American  Republic.  For  there 
“ more  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  world  can  we  find  anything 
“ approaching  a parallel  for  several  of  the  problems  with  which 
“ South  Africa  has  to  grapple,  but  which  she  has  so  far  shirked 
“ with  the  weakness  sO'  characteristic  of  her  statesmen.  Mr. 
“ Schumacher  appends  to  his  letter  a series  of  extracts  from  the 
“ report  of  Mr.  Guy  Hayler,  the  Superintendent  of  the  Inter- 
“ national  Order  of  Good  Templars,  In  which  it  is  claimed  that 


246 


“ the  most  gratifying  moral  and  economic  results  have  attended 
“ the  enforcement  of  total  prohibition  in  many  of  the  Negro 
“ States.  He  does  not,  of  course,  vouch  for  the  accuracy  of  these 
“ statements,  and  even  if  he  did  many  of  our  readers  would  refuse 
“ to  accept  what  they  may  be  disposed  to  regard  as  tainted,  or 
“ at  least,  questionable,  testimony.  But  the  opinions  quoted  are 
“ at  any  rate  sufficiently  definite  to  justify  an  investigation  as  to 
“ the  causes  which  led  the  people  of  the  Southern  States  volun- 
“ tarily  to  prohibit  the  sale  of  liquor  wdthin  a vast  number  of 
“ electoral  divisions  and  as  to  the  results  which  have  attended 
“ these  self-denying  ordinances.  There  must  be  much  in  the 
“ experience  of  this  portion  of  the  United  States  that  bears  very 
“ closely  on  the  present  phase  of  South  African  problems,  that 
“ will  be  helpful  in  educating  public  opinion  throughout  the 
“ Union,  and  that  may  assist  our  statesmen  in  determining  the 
“ lines  on  which  our  native  policy  should  be  remodelled.” 

In  reference  to  the  question  raised  by  Mr.  Schumacher  re- 
garding the  growth  of  Prohibition  sentiment  in  the  Southern 
States,  Mr.  E.  Page  Gaston,  F.R.G.S.,  who  has  travelled  most 
extensively  in  these  States,  writes,  June  loth,  igia  : — 

” My  own  travels  through  many  of  the  Southern  States  of 
‘‘  America  have  proved  conclusively  to  me  that  the  reason  Pro- 
‘‘  hibition  is  so  greatly  advanced  in  that  section  is  that  the  whites 
‘‘  and  the  negro  leaders  realise  the  great  incentive  which  the  sale 
‘‘  of  drink  to  the  blacks  exercises  in  the  way  of  crimes  of  vio- 
‘‘  lence,  etc.  Both  white  and  coloured  leaders  of  the  South  have 
‘‘  repeatedly  said  to  me  that  Prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  is 
” absolutely  necessary  to  protect  the  white  population  from  the 
“ criminal  element  amongst  negroes.  While  Prohibition  is,  of 
‘‘  course,  not  claimed  to  be  a cure-all,  it  is  increasingly  recognised 
‘‘  that  this  is  one  of  the  most  powerful  determents  which  has  as 
‘‘yet  been  brought  forward.” 

The  American  Anti-Saloon  Year  Book  for  1911,  which  deals 
with  the  general  subject  of  Prohibition  in  the  Southern  States, 
and  incidentally  with  its  beneficent  effect  upon  the  coloured  popu- 
lations, clearly  shows  that  drunkenness  and  crime  have  been 
reduced  at  least  60  per  cent,  where  the  liquor  traffic  has  been 
removed  from  tempting  the  negroes  and  whites  to  drink.  There 
is  no  question  of  doubt  that  Prohibition  has  greatly  helped  to 
solve  the  question  of  ‘‘  the  Black  Peril  ” in  the  Southern  States. 

In  June,  1912,  the  Government  appointed  a Commission  to 
inquire  into  and  report  upon  the  assaults  upon  women,  their 
cause,  the  means  of  preventing  them,  the  influence  of  and  bear- 
ing of  other  social  or  economic  factors  upon  such  assaults,  and 
the  remedies  calculated  to  cope  with  the  evil.  The  Commission 
commenced  its  proceedings  at  Cape  Town  on  July  15th,  1912, 
and  held  a number  of  sittings  in  various  parts  of  South  Africa. 


247 


2Si  witnesses  were  examined,  and  many  weeks  w^ere  g^iven  to 
considering  the  report,  which  was  presented  to  the  Government 
in  June,  1913. 

The  Commissioners  made  a number  of  proposals  dealing 
with  many  aspects  of  the  question.  Those  referring  to  the 
liquor  traffic  were  as  follows  : — 

A.— In  the  Transvaal. 

“ That  provision  be  made  for  the  more  efficient  policing  of 
“ the  mine  compounds.  (Par.  66a.) 

“That  the  magistrates  be  empowered  to  inflict  lashes  in 
“ certain  cases  upon  persons  convicted  of  illicit  liquor  dealing, 
“ and  to  impose  indeterminate  sentences.  (Par.  66b.) 

“ That  provision  be  made  for  requiring  a permit  to  convey 
“ liquor  where  any  quantity  is  purchased  above  a reputed  quart. 
“ (Par.  66c.) 

“That  bottle-store  keepers  be  required  to  state  on  the  per- 
“ mits  the  time  when  liquor  is  despatched  from  their  stores. 
“ (Par.  66d.) 

“That  a bottle-store  licence  shall  not  be  renewed  if  it  is 
“ proved  that  the  licensee  has  served  a convicted  illicit  seller 
“ with  more  than  one  quart  of  liquor,  after  the  latter  has  been 
“ pointed  out  to  him  by  the  police.  (Par.  66e.) 

“ That  provision  be  made  enabling  the  police  to  deal  more 
“ efficiently  with  the  brewing  of,  and  the  traffic  in,  adulterated 
“ liquor,  liquor  mixing  rooms,  and  places  where  an  excessive 
“ quantity  of  liquor  is  stored,  other  than  licensed  premises,  and 
“ further  declaring  adulterated  liquor  found  on  unlicensed  pre- 
“ mises  and  the  presence  of  corking  machinery,  capsules,  col- 
“ curing  matter,  and  other  necessaries  for  an  illicit  trade  to  be 
“ prima  facie  evidence  of  illicit  liquor  dealing.  (Par.  66f.) 

“ That  provision  be  made  for  heavy  penalties  on  persons 
“ conveying  or  being  in  possession  of  any  quantity  of  adulterated 
“ liquor.  (Par.  66g.) 

“ That  provision  be  made  rendering  aliens  convicted  of  illicit 
“ liquor  selling  liable  to  deportation  ; and  that  the  law  be  enlarged 
“so  as  to  permit  of  that  step  being  taken  in  the  case  of  natural- 
“ ised  foreigners,  and  that  powers  be  given  to  the  Government 
“ to  withdraw  letters  of  naturalisation  after  conviction  of  crime 
“ of  a serious  nature.  (Par.  66h.) 

“ That  a heavy  penalty  be  provided  for  the  conveyance  of 
“ liquor  without  a permit,  or  to  an  address  or  on  a date  other  than 
“ that  stated  on  the  permit,  or  of  a class  of  liquor  other  than 
“ that  described  therein,  and  that  the  penalty  be  heavier  if  any  of 
“ these  offences  are  committed  upon  a mine  property  or  at  night. 
“ (Par.  66i.) 

“ That  methylated  spirit  be  not  allowed  to  be  sold  without 
“ the  addition  of  some  substance  that  would  render  it  non- 
“ potable.  (Par.  70.) 


248 


B. — In  the  Prohibition  Areas  of  The  Cape  Province. 

“ That  the  possession  of  liquor  by  natives,  not  being  regis« 
“ tered  voters,  shall  be  a punishable  offence,  and  such  liquor  be 
“ liable  to  confiscation.  (Par.  72.) 

“That  natives,  being  registered  voters,  shall  be  liable  to 
“ disfranchisement  when  convicted  of  illicit  dealing  in  liquor  or 
“ of  selling  their  certificates  to  other  natives.  (Par.  71.) 

“ That  in  the  Transkeian  Territories  magistrates  be  given 
“ discretionary  power  to  refuse  permits  to  European  residents  to 
“ import  liquor.  (Par.  73.) 

C. — Elsewhere  Within  the  Union. 

“ That  it  be  made  a punishable  offence  in  Natal  for  a native 
“ (not  actually  in  the  employ  of  the  proprietor)  to  be  found  on 
“licensed  premises.  (Par.  74.) 

“ That  the  definition  of  the  word  “ Native  ” in  section  5 
“ of  Act  No.  28  of  1898,  in  force  in  the  Cape  Province,  be  ex- 
“ tended  to  include  all  aboriginal  natives.  (Par.  76.) 

Kafir-Beer. 

“ That  provision  be  made  in  urban  areas  for  the  supply  to 
“ natives  of  Kafir  beer  of  a certain  strength  under  proper  super- 
“ vision  and  control  (Par.  83),  and  that,  in  connection  with 
“ places  for  the  sale  of  Kafir  beer,  there  be  established  eating- 
“ houses  for  natives.  (Par.  84.) 

“ That  the  sale  of  Kafir  beer  outside  urban  areas  be  prohi- 
“ bited.  (Par.  80.) 

“ That  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  ob- 
“ tained  through  the  fermentation  of  certain  saccharine  ancj 
“other  matters  be  prohibited.  (Par.  82.) 

“ Tliat  it  be  made  compulsory  for  employers  on  the  mines  td 
“ issue  to  labourers  a certain  quantity  of  Kafir  beer  daily.  (Par. 

“83.) 

D.\gga  Smoking. 

“ That  dagga  be  included  in  the  schedule  of  poison 
“ throughout  the  Union;  that  it  be  declared  a noxious  weed  re' 
“ quiring  eradication;  and  that  dagga  smoking  be  made  a pun 
“ ishable  offence.  (Par.  86.) 

Police. 

“ That  an  enquiry  be  institued  by  Government  as  to  th 
“ adequacy  of  police  in  certain  localities.  (Pars.  66a,  72,  14c 
‘‘  I55-) 

“ That  steps  be  taken  to  introduce  a material  number  cf 
“ educated  natives  into  the  police  establishment  on  the  Wij 
“ watersrand  at  least,  and  that  the  native  police  there  should  P 
“composed  of  various  nationalities.  (Par.  143.).’’ 

The  Commissioners  appear  to  have  failed  in  recognising  thj 
in  the  entire  Prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic,  its  manufacturt 
importation  and  sale,  is  to  be  found  the  only  true  remedy  for  tf 
evils,  they  were  appointed  to  investigate  and  report  upon. 


PART  V 


AMERICA 


Labrddofc 


•ACIFIC 


OCEAN. 


ATLAfT 


^a^iow. 

itutional'^- 

fet&tutory* 


OCEAN. 


y6CAt»-  OPTION. 
Maiplw  Prohibitoi 


iiQuoB.  LrcEpapJ 
f Tlitliout  / 
local  Option’.  ' 


]^rtb:  amrbica 


CHAPTER  I 


British  North  America 


“ The  object  of  law  is  the  well-being"  of  the  community,  the  protection  of 
the  rights  and  interests  of  the  individuals  that  constitute  society.  A drunkard 
is  a dang'er  to  society.  If  law  cannot  protect  us  against  the  drunkard  then 
government  is  a failure.  At  present  law  does  make  men  sober  when  it  finds 
them  drunk.  We  would  change  the  plan  of  doing  it,  because  the  protection 
to  society,  thus  secured,  is  only  temporary.  We  w'ant  it  permanent.  We 
complain  of  the  present  system  because  it  is  ineffectual,  and  plead  for  better 
and  cheaper  protection  by  the  simple  method  of  locking  up  the  drink  instead 
of  locking  up  the  drunkard.  Freedom  for  the  rig'ht  means  suppression  of  the 
wrong.” — F.  S.  Spence,  Toronto,  Ontario  ( 1912). 


British  North  America  includes  the  Dominion  of  Canada 
and  Colony  of  Newfoundland,  and  covers  no  less  than  3,892,415 
square  miles.  It  had  a population  in  1912  of  7,447,457.  The 
Dominion  of  Canada  is  divided  into  eleven  provinces  and  terri- 
tories. Its  Executive  Government  consists  of  a Governor- 
General,  appointed  by  the  British  Government,  and  a Privy 
Council.  The  legislative  power  is  in  the  hands  of  a Dominion 
Parliament,  consisting  of  an  appointed  Senate  and  House  of 
Commons,  elected  by  the  people. 

The  Dominion  Parliament  is  Federal  in  character,  and  has 
supreme  control  over  all  Dominion  legislation  covering  inter- 
provincial commerce — including  alcoholic  liquors — postage, 
defence,  railways,  canals,  rivers,  land,  mines,  emigration,  etc. 
The  Provincial  Legislatures  have  full  control  over  all  purely 
provincial  or  local  questions  such  as  those  covering  the  licen- 
sing the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  They  have  no  power  to  pre- 
vent the  importation  of  such  liquors  from  foreign  countries  or 
from  any  Canadian  province. 

In  the  early  history  of  Canada  the  Municipal  Councils  had 
full  power  to  prohibit  the  retail  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors, 
subject  to  a ratification  by  the  vote  of  the  electors.  Many  diffi- 
culties were  experienced  in  the  administration  of  this  law,  and 
it  was  practically  a dead  letter.  In  1864  the  Hon,  C.  Dunkiij 
secured  the  passing  of  a new  law  through  the  Parliament  of 
Canada  which  gave  municipalities  and  counties  power  to  prohibit 
the  sale  of  liquor  in  quantities  of  not  less  than  five  gallons. 


252 


When  the  Dominion  was  created  in  1867,  both  the  old  muni- 
cipal law  and  the  Dunkin  Act  remained  in  force.  In  1878  the 
Dominion  Parliament,  in  response  to  a general  demand  for  pro- 
hibitory legislation,  passed  a compromise  measure,  entitled  the 
Canadian  Temperance  Act,  commonly  called  the  “ Scott  Act,” 
— after  the  name  of  the  Hon.  Sir  Richard  W.  Scott,  the  member 
who  introduced  the  measure.  This  Act  superseded  the  Dunkin 
Act,  and  has  been  revised  and  improved  by  subsequent  legis- 
lation. The  last  amendment  was  made  in  1910,  when  the  Act 
was  made  applicable  to  certain  districts  in  British  Columbia. 

The  Scott  Act  is  a most  comprehensive  Local  Option  Law, 
giving  power  to  any  city  or  county,  by  a vote  of  the  electors,  to 
suppress  the  ordinary  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  The  Act 
is  divided  into  two  parts  : the  first  provides  the  machinery  by 
which,  on  a petition  signed  by  twenty-five  per  cent,  of  the  elec- 
tors, a vote  must  be  taken  in  the  city  or  county  to  determine 
whether  the  second  part  of  the  Act  shall  be  brought  into  opera- 
tion or  not.  Should  a majority  of  the  voters  be  in  favour  of 
bringing  part  two  of  the  Act  into  force,  an  Order-in-Council  is 
issued,  declaring  that  on  and  after  the  existing  licences  expire 
no  licences  shall  be  granted  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquor  in 
that  city  or  county. 

When  the  second  part  of  the  Act  is  put  into  operation  the 
sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  in  any  form  or  by  any  device  is  abso- 
lutely prohibited,  with  the  exception  of  the  sale  of  wine  for  use 
at  the  Sacrament,  and  the  sale  of  alcohol  for  medicinal  purposes 
or  its  bona  fide  use  in  art,  trade,  or  manufacture.  For  dispens 
ing  liquor  for  these  purposes  the  Lieutenant-Governor  of  the 
province  has  power  to  issue  a strictly  limited  number  of  permit; 
to  druggists  and  others  who  can  only  legally  sell  such  liquors  01 
the  certificates  of  clergymen  and  physicians  or  two  Justices  o 
the  Peace.  An  annual  return  of  these  sales  must  be  made  to  th( 
Collector  of  Inland  Revenue.  Any  person  convicted  of  selling 
liquor  contrary  to  the  law,  where  the  second  part  of  the  Act  i 
in  force,  is  punishable  by  a fine  of  not  less  than  S50  (;^io),  o 
imprisonment  for  not  less  than  one  month,  with  or  without  han 
labour.  For  a second  offence  the  penalty  is  a fine  of  not  less  thai 
$100  (;£'2o),  or  imprisonment  for  two  months,  with  or  withou 
hard  labour.  For  a third  or  subsequent  offence,  the  penalty  i 
imprisonment  for  a term  not  exceeding  four  months,  with  c 
without  hard  labour,  without  the  option  of  a fine. 

Shortly  after  the  Scott  Act  was  passed  difficulties  aros 
between  the  Dominion  Government  and  the  Provincial  Legish 
tures  in  reference  to  the  power  of  each  province  to  prohibit  tH 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  within  their  own  jurisdictions. 


253 


was  not  until  the  year  1901  that  this  matter  was  finally  settled, 
I when  the  Privy  Council  of  Great  Britain  determined  on  an  appeal 
' concerning  the  Manitoba  Prohibition  Law  that  it  was  both  consti- 
tutional and  valid,  thus  establishing  the  right  of  each  province 
to  prohibit  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  within  its  own  area. 

A demand  was  made  for  Dominion  Prohibition,  and  in  i8gi 
a resolution  was  introduced  in  the  House  of  Commons  proposing 
a Dominion  Prohibitory  Law.  The  Government  opposed  the 
I resolution,  and  it  was  defeated,  but  a motion  was  adopted  favour- 
!'  ing  a royal  commission  of  enquiry.  In  the  following  year  (1892) 

' a Royal  Commission  was  appointed  to  enquire  into  and  report 
I upon  ; — 

' “ (i)  The  effects  of  the  liquor  traffic  upon  all  interests 

“ affected  by  it  in  Canada;  (2)  the  measures  which  have  been 
■ “ adopted  in  this  and  other  countries  with  a view  to  lessen, 
“regulate,  or  prohibit  the  traffic;  (3)  the  results  of  these 
“ measures  in  each  case;  (4)  the  effect  that  the  enactment  of  a pro- 
“ hibitory  liquor  law  in  Canada  would  have  in  respect  of  social 
“ conditions,  agricultural  business,  industrial  and  commercial 
“ interests,  of  the  revenue  requirements  of  municipalities,  pro- 
“ vinces,  and  the  Dominion,  and  also  as  to  its  capability  of 
“efficient  enforcement;  (5)  all  other  information  bearing  on 
“ Prohibition.  ” 

The  Commission  consisted  of  five  gentlemen,  and  the  en- 
quiry lasted  for  three  years.  From  the  first  it  was  clear  that  the 
Commissioners  were  divided  on  the  question  of  Prohibition.  The 
majority,  in  their  report,  stated  : — 

“ With  the  power  possessed  by  the  various  provinces  to 
“ legislate  in  respect  to  the  traffic,  the  certainty  that  in  some 
“of  the  provinces  Prohibition  would  meet  with  determined 
“opposition;  with  an  open  frontier  such  as  the  Dominion 
“ possesses,  largely  bordering  on  States  in  which  sale  would  be 
“carried  on;  the  undersigned  consider  that  it  is  illusory  to 
“ anticipate  that  a general  prohibitory  law  could  be  enforced 
“with  any  reasonable  degree  of  efficiency.’’ 

The  Rev.  Joseph  McLeod  presented  a Minority  Report,  in 
which  it  was  stated  : — 

“ That  all  the  information  which  your  Commission  has  been 
“ able  to  obtain  has  made  clear  to  the  undersigned  that  the 
“ effect  of  the  liquor  traffic  has  been,  and  is,  seriously  detri- 
“ mental  to  all  the  moral,  social  and  material  interests  of  the 
“nation;  that  the  measures  employed  to  ‘lessen,  regulate,  or 
“ prohibit  ’ the  traffic  have  been  of  value  and  effective  only  in 
“proportion  as  they  have  approximated,  in  their  operation,  to 
“ the  absolute  prohibition  of  the  traffic  in  intoxicating  beverages ; 
“ qnd  that  the  revenue  requirements  of  the  country  should  pQj; 


254 


“ be  considered  a reason  for  the  continuance  of  an  admitted  evil, 
“ and,  moreover,  could  be  met  without  the  continuance  of  that 
“ evil. 

“ That  the  endorsement  which  the  electorate  of  different 
“ sections  of  the  Dominion  of  Canada  have  given,  at  the  ballot 
“box,  to  the  principle  of  Prohibition,  whenever  submitted,  as 
“ well  as  many  petitions,  memorials,  and  declarations  of  Church 
“ courts.  Temperance  organisations,  municipal  councils,  and 
“ other  representative  bodies,  make  it  sufficiently  clear  that  a 
“ majority  of  the  people  of  Canada  are  in  favour  of  the  total 
“ prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic.” 

While  the  Commission  was  taking  evidence  plebiscites  were 
taken  in  four  cf  the  provinces  on  the  question  of  the  Prohibition 
of  the  liquor  traffic.  The  vote  was  as  follows  : — 


Province. 

Date. 

For. 

Against. 

Majority  for. 

Manitoba...  . 

1892 

19.637 

7.”5 

12,522 

PrinceEdward  Island  1893 

10,616 

3.390 

7,226 

Nova  Scotia  . 

1894 

43.756 

12,355 

31.401 

Ontario  

1894 

192,489 

1 10,720 

81,769 

Totals  ... 

266,498 

133.580 

132,918 

No  legislation  followed  either  the  reports  of  the  Com- 
missioners or  the  plebiscites,  but  the  question  of  Prohibition  was 
several  times  raised  in  the  Dominion  Parliament.  In  1898  a 
measure  was  passed  providing  for  a general  plebiscite  through- 
out the  whole  Dominion  upon  the  question  as  to  whether  or  not 
it  was  advisable  to  enact  a total  Prohibition  law  for  the  whole 


country.  The  vote  took  place  on 

September 

28th,  1898, 

and  the 

result  was  as  follows  : 

— 

Province. 

Prohibition. 

For.  Against. 

Majority. 

For.  Against, 

Ontario  

154.498 

115.284 

39.214 

— 

Quebec  

28,436 

122,760 

— 

94.324 

Nova  Scotia 

34.678 

5.370 

29.308 

• — 

New  Brunswick 

26,919 

9.575 

17.344 

■ — 

Prince  Edward  Island 

9.461 

1,146 

8.315 

— 

Manitoba 

12,419 

2,978 

9.441 

— 

British  Columbia 

5.731 

4.756 

975 

— 

N.  W.  Territories  ... 

6,238 

2,824 

3.414 

— 

Totals  

278,380 

264,693 

108,011 

94.324 

Tire  plebiscite  showed  a clear  majority  of  13,687  for  total 
Prohibition,  but  unfortunately  the  Government  and  the  Dominion 
Parliament,  after  considerable  discussion,  took  the  view  that  the 


255 


majority  was  not  large  enough  to  warrant  them  in  passing  a 
general  prohibitory  law. 

Following  the  plebiscite  of  i8g8,  when  the  voters  of  Ontario 
declared  in  favour  of  Prohibition  by  a majority  of  39,214,  the 
Temperance  party  demanded  that  the  Government  should  take 
action  in  accordance  with  the  views  of  the  people.  In  1902,  the 
Hon.  G.  W.  Ross,  on  behalf  of  the  Government,  proposed  a 
Measure  to  the  Provincial  Legislature,  providing  for  the  prohi- 
bition of  the  liquor  traffic  in  Ontario,  but  making  its  going  into 
operation  upon  a ratifying  vote  of  the  provincial  voters,  pro- 
viding that  the  number  in  favour  was  equal  to  a majority  voting 
at  the  last  General  Election. 

The  Temperance  party  protested,  in  vain,  against  the  con- 
ditions imposed,  but  did  their  best  to  secure  the  necessary  212,723 
votes  necessary  to  achieve  victory.  The  result  showed  the  con- 
ditions had  not  been  reached  by  12,974.  The  voting  was  as 
follows  : — 

For  the  new  law  to  prohibit  the  liquor  traffic  ...  199,749 

Against  ,,  ,,  ,,  ,,  103,548 

Majority  in  favour  of  Prohibition  ...  ...  96,201 

The  Temperance  party,  and  in  fact  the  general  public,  con- 
sidered that  the  result  of  the  contest  warranted  that  the  law 
should  gO'  into  force  but  the  Government  determined  otherwise. 
A deputation  waited  upon  the  Prime  Minister  (Hon.  G.  W.  Ross) 
on  January  15th,  1903,  and  in  reply  to  the  position  taken  up  by 
the  speakers,  said  : 

“ My  duty  in  connection  with  this  question  is  to  consult  my 
“ supporters,  and  that  I shall  do  at  the  earliest  opportunity.  I 
“hope  we  will  agree,  and  when  we  have  agreed  I hope  we  will 
“ secure  such  legislation  as  will  meet  with  the  approval  of  the 
“ country.’’ 

The  Provincial  Legislature  met  two  months  later,  and  the 
speech  from  the  Throne  contained  these  words  : 

“The  large  vote  polled  was  an  expression  of  the  electors 
“ favouring  further  legislation  with  respect  to  the  liquor  traffic,’’ 
and  a Measure  was  promised  to  deal  with  the  subject. 

Fifteen  years  have  passed  away  since  the  great  Dominion 
plebiscite  was  taken,  and  eleven  years  have  passed  since  the  vote 
was  taken  in  Ontario,  and  still  the  Temperance  and  social  re- 
formers are  knocking  at  the  doors  of  the  Dominion  Parliament 
and  the  Provincial  Legislature  for  the  prohibition  of  the  liquor 
traffic,  which  the  people  have  so  unmistakeably  demanded. 


256 


Among  the  existing  laws  dealing  with  the  liquor  traffic 
throughout  the  Dominion  are  those  prohibiting  the  sale  of  in- 
toxicating liquors  throughout  the  whole  of  the  North-West 
Territories  to  Indians;  to  young  people  under  i8  years  of  age, 
and  up  to  2 1 years  of  age  if  the  father,  mother,  guardian  or 
master  serve  a notice  to  that  effect  upon  the  saloon  keeper.  All 
sales  of  intoxicating  liquors  are  prohibited  on  Sunday,  and  in 
some  provinces  this  prohibition  extends  from  7 o’clock  on  Satur- 
day night  until  8 o’clock  on  Monday  morning.  The  liquor 
saloons  are  also  closed  on  all  election  days. 

Liquor  selling  is  prohibited  among  railwaymen,  miners, 
woodcutters,  and  raftmen.  Liquor  saloons  are  aLso  prohibited 
from  being  opened  in  the  neighbourhood  of  public  works,  near 
to  a railway  in  course  of  construction,  or  within  a certain  dis- 
tance of  a gold,  silver,  coal  or  other  mines.  A saloon  keeper 
is  also  made  responsible  for  any  act  committed  by  drunkards,  if 
they  die  from  suicide  or  drowning,  or  perish  from  cold  or  other 
accident  while  under  the  influence  of  alcoholic  liquors. 

The  Canadian  Royal  Templar  ably  sums  up  the  situation  in 
the  following  editorial  remarks  : — 

“ Enormous  strides  are  being  made  in  Ontario  and  Mani- 
“ toba.  The  cause  is  at  least  holding  its  own,  and  here  and 
“ there  gaining  ground  in  Quebec  and  the  Maritime  Prov- 
“ inces.  There  is  every  indication  of  the  early  fruition  of 
“ earnest  efforts  in  Sasketchewan,  Alberta,  and  British  Col- 
“ umbia.  In  a word,  Canada  is  rapidly  turning  white.” 


CHAPTER  II 


The  Maritime  Provinces 

“ The  watchword  before  us  is  advance.  The  prospects  of  our  cause  were 
never  more  promising"  or  the  outlook  brig"hter.  VVe  have  a Provincial  Gov- 
ernment which  is  friendly  to  our  cause,  and  unity  of  purpose  binding"  the 
Temperance  forces  which  is  unsurpassed  anywhere.  A measure  of  real 
unity  between  Roman  Catholics  and  Protestants,  French  and  English,  that 
must  gladden  the  heart  of  God  ; and  the  enemy  is  divided  and  discredited. 
We  have  to  close  up  the  ranks,  take  our  right  places,  use  the  right  weapons, 
and  the  complete  victory  over  the  evil  of  liquordom  will  be  secured.” 

J.  H.  Roberts,  Montreal  ( 1913 ). 


Since  1902,  when  the  Privy  Council  of  Great  Britain  decided 
that  the  Dominion  Parliament  had  full  power  to  adopt  National 
Prohibition,  and  each  province  had  power  to  adopt  the  Prohibi- 
tion of  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  within  its  own  territory, 
much  progress  has  been  made  in  the  Maritime  Provinces.  In 
1907  Prince  Edward  Island  adopted  provincial  Prohibition.  In 
1909  Nova  Scotia  passed  a similar  law  for  that  province  with 
the  exception  of  the  city  of  Halifax,  where  the  question  has  to  be 
submitted  to  a popular  vote.  In  each  of  the  other  provinces 
enormous  strides  towards  National  Prohibition  are  being  made, 
and  there  is  every  prospect,  as  Dr.  J.  A.  Macdonald,  the  popular 
editor  of  the  Toronto  Globe — Canada’s  great  daily  newspaper — 
says,  that  “The  Temperance  party  will  work  on  till  every  bar- 
room is  closed,” — he  might  have  added  “ and  every  brewery  and 
distillery  also.  ” 

New  Brunswick. — -When  the  Scott  Act  was  passed  by  the 
Dominion  Parliament  the  people  of  New  Brunswick  immediately 
put  it  into  operation  in  several  of  their  counties,  and  in  1913, 
out  of  the  15  counties  into  which  the  province  is  divided,  no  less 
than  9 were  under  Prohibition.  A notable  contest  took  place 
at  Monckton  on  December  21st,  1908,  where  the  supporters  of 
the  liquor  traffic  tried  to  repeal  the  No-Licence  policy  of  that 
city.  The  voting  was  as  follows: — For  Prohibition,  3,923; 
Against,  3,241  ; Majority  for,  682.  A similar  contest  took  place 
at  Fredricton,  but  no-licence  was  retained  by  a large  majority. 

Although  Local  Option  has  been  the  law  of  the  province  for 
many  years  every  difficulty  has  been  put  in  the  way  in  many 
places  to  prevent  no-licence  contests.  This  is  illustrated  by  the 


R 


253 


experience  of  the  Temperance  friends  at  Harcourt,  and  other 
places  in  Kent  County.  Led  by  the  Rev.  R.  W.  Stavert,  a 
petition  in  favour  of  a Local  Option  Poll  was  presented  to  the 
Kent  County  Council  in  1907,  but  was  refused,  and  an  appeal  to 
the  High  Court  against  the  action  of  the  County  Council  was 
rejected.  The  same  result  followed  the  presentation  of  a similar 
petition  by  the  Rev.  A.  A.  Graham  to  the  St.  John’s  City  Council. 
The  Temperance  reformers  therefore  joined  forces,  and  appealed 
to  the  Provincial  Legislature  for  improved  legislation,  and  a new 
law  was  passed  which  made  it  less  difficult  to  secure  a contest, 
and  gave  a simple  majority  of  electors  power  to  secure  no-licence. 

Several  contests  immediately  followed  the  passing  of  the  new 
law,  and  in  the  three  years  (1909-11)  the  liquor  traffic  was  voted 
out  of  several  wards  in  the  city  of  St.  John,  and  from 
the  whole  of  the  Kent  County,  except  the  Parish  of  Dundas, 
which  has  four  licences.  At  Wellington  (Kent  County)  instead 
of  bringing  on  a Local  Option  contest  a petition  was  sent  direct 
to  the  Lieut. -Governor  in  Council,  signed  by  82  per  cent,  of  the 
voters  asking  that  no  licences  should  be  granted  in  their  dis- 
trict. The  petition  was  successful,  and  eight  liquor  saloons  were 
closed. 

Several  strong  Temperance  deputations  have  waited  upon 
members  of  the  Government  during  the  past  few  years,  demand- 
ing provincial  Prohibition,  and  it  is  expected  that  at  no  distant 
date  this  will  be  adopted. 

Nova  Scotia. — There  were  two  Acts  in  force  in  this  province 
— the  Scott  Act  and  the  Nova  Scotia  Temperance  Act.  By 
popular  vote  the  liquor  traffic  was  cleared  out  from  nearly  every 
county  by  the  first  Act,  and  by  the  second,  passed  in  1910,  Pro- 
hibition was  adopted  for  the  whole  of  the  province  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  city  of  Halifax,  where  a vote  of  the  people  can 
bring  about  no-licence. 

The  Rev.  H.  R.  Grant,  Secretary  of  the  Nova  Scotia  Tem- 
perance Alliance,  states  : — 

“The  liquor  traffic  throughout  the  province  is  utterly  dis- 
“ credited.  The  Canadian  Temperance  (Scott)  .^ct  and  the  Nova 
“ Scotia  Temperance  Act  are  generally  well  enforced  excepting 
“ in  a few  towns.  In  order  that  conditions  may  be  satisfactory 
“it  is  essential  that  the  Temperance  Act  be  improved  in  several 
“ respects,  and  thoroughly  enforced  under  Government  super- 
“ vision,  and  that  Halifax  come  under  its  operation.  To  accom- 
“ plish  this  the  Nova  Scotia  Temperance  Alliance  is  carrying  on 
“ a campaign.  The  liquor  traffic  in  the  province  is  doomed,  and 
“ at  no  distant  date  will  be  destroyed.’’ 


259 


In  Halifax  the  liquor  saloons  are  closed  from  9 p.m.  on 
Saturday  to  7.30  a.m,  on  Monday,  and  the  number  of  licences 
must  not  exceed  one  for  every  thousand  of  the  population. 

Ontario. — The  Local  Option  Law  of  the  Province  of 
Ontario  is  not  what  may  be  called  an  ideal  law  in  behalf  of  Tem- 
perance. It  can  only  be  put  into  force  when  twenty-five  per 
cent,  of  the  electors  of  any  given  municipality  demand  a poll, 
and  a majority  of  three-fifths  is  secured.  Yet  under  these  most 
disadvantageous  circumstances,  wonderful  progress  continues  to 
be  made.  The  fact  that  in  a large  number  of  the  municipalities, 
year  after  year,  a clear  majority  is  cast  against  the  liquor  traffic 
and  yet  it  is  continued  because  a three-fifths  majority  has  not 
been  obtained,  causes  great  indignation  among  a large  section 
of  the  public.  The  Liberal  Party  of  Ontario  have  made  the 
question  of  Bar-room  Closing  a test  one  for  the  next 
election,  also  proposing  if  they  are  successful,  to 
repeal  the  three-fifths  majority,  and  allow  the  liquor  question  to 
be  settled  by  a bare  majority.  The  Ontario  Branch  of  the 
Dominion  Alliance  is  a real  live  organisation.  Its  weekly  organ, 
The  Pioneer,  has  a circulation  of  over  24,000  copies,  whilst  its 
work  of  holding  provincial  and  district  conferences  and  public 
meetings  has  placed  the  question  of  Prohibition  in  the  very  front 
of  all  other  questions  in  the  province,  and  while  the  population 
has  nearly  doubled  itself,  the  number  of  licences  has  been  re- 
duced from  6,185  ^^75  f®  1,620  in  1913. 

Year  after  year,  on  the  first  Monday  in  January,  the  Tem- 
perance party  attack  a large  number  of  places  in  which  there 
still  remains  an  open  liquor  bar  to  tempt  the  people  to  their  des- 
truction. There  is  no  ambiguity  in  any  of  these  contests.  The 
Temperance  people  are  known  to  be  Prohibitionists.  Their 
battle-cry  is  “ Banish  the  Bar-room.”  The  Pioneer,  in  an  article 
on  the  1913  contests,  places  the  issue  clearly  before  the  people  : — 

‘‘  The  Temperance  warfare  is  one  for  men  rather  than  one 
” against  men.  It  is  the  liquor  ‘ traffic  ’ we  are  fighting,  not 
‘‘  liquor  ‘ traders.’  It  is  intemperance  we  are  fighting,  not  the 
‘‘  intemperate.  It  is  intoxicants  we  denounce,  not  the  dispenser 
‘‘  of  them.  It  is  the  bar-room  we  oppose,  not  the  proprietor  of 
‘‘  it.  The  intemperate  man,  the  liquor  trader,  the  bar-keeper, 
” will  find  no  better  friends  anywhere  than  those  who  are  seeking 
‘‘  to  suppress  the  evils  which  they  are  aiding.  The  whole 
” traffic  in  intoxicating  liquors  is  ignoble  and  demeaning,  and 
‘‘  those  connected  in  any  way  with  it  would  be  better  and  more 
‘‘  respected  in  some  other  cMling.  The  business  of  drunkard- 
” making  or  drunk-getting  is  too  ignoble  a one  for  anv  man  to 
” be  engaged  in,  ” 


260 


While  the  number  of  municipalities  grows  with  the  ever- 
increasing  population  of  the  province,  there  is  no  abatement  in 
the  number  adopting  Prohibition.  In  1913  there  were  828 
municipalities,  and  of  this  number  no  less  than  488  are  without 
liquor-shops.  During  the  last  five  years  there  have  been  440  con- 
tests, and  of  these  the  Temperance  party  have  been  successful 
in  securing  a three-fifths  majority  for  Prohibition  in  169,  while  in 
164  other  contests  they  secured  a majority,  but  not  the  three- 
fifths  required  by  law,  the  liquor  traffic  maintaining  their  exist- 
ence by  a majority  of  voters  in  107  contests.  The  following  list 
of  these  contests  will  give  some  idea  of  the  persistence  of  the 
Temperance  workers  of  Ontario  : — ■ 


No.  of 

No.  securing 
three-fifths 

No.  securing 

Liquor 

Traffic 

Year. 

Contests. 

Majority, 

Majority. 

\"ictories. 

1909 

55 

22 

20 

13 

1910 

..  158 

77 

55 

26 

191 1 

81 

26 

30 

25 

1912 

69 

18 

21 

30 

1913 

77 

26 

38 

13 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Totals 

440 

169 

164 

107 

After  Prohibition  has  been  in  force  for  three  years,  the 
Liquor  Party  can  demand  another  contest,  but  one  remarkable 
thing  about  the  struggle  in  Ontario  is  the  fact,  and  this  is  true 
of  the  whole  of  Canada,  that  when  once  the  liquor  traffic  has  been 
driven  out  of  a municipality  and  the  benefits  of  Prohibition 
demonstrated,  it  is  seldom  another  contest  is  brought  on  to  re- 
introduce the  liquor  bar,  and  in  the  comparatively  few  contests 
which  have  taken  place,  the  liquor  traffic  has  been  utterly  routed. 
During  the  past  five  years  there  were  many  municipalities  in  which 
the  liquor  party  could  have  brought  on  a contest,  but  they  only  at- 
tempted to  reintroduce  the  traffic  in  80  places,  and  were  success- 
ful in  five  only.  Surely  a great  testimony  to  the  success  of 
Prohibition.  Here  is  the  yearly  list  of  contests,  with  the  results  : 


Year. 

No.  of  Possible  ? 

Contests. 

'•o  of  Actual 
Contests. 

Liquor  Traffic 
\’ictories. 

1909 

97 

27 

0 

1910 

III 

12 

2 

191 1 

134 

3 

0 

1912 

178 

15 

0 

1913 

241 

23 

I 

Totals  . 

761 

80 

5 

261 


The  ever-attacking,  never-tiring  Temperance  workers  of 
Ontario  are  no  sooner  out  of  one  series  of  contests  than  they  are 
preparing  for  another.  In  an  editorial  The  Pioneer  says  : — 

“The  Local  Option  votes  on  January  6th,  1913,  must  be 
“ immediately  followed  up  by  a further  advance.  In  the  great 
‘ ‘ conflict  in  which  we  are  engaged  there  is  no  time  for  rest,  and 
“ there  must  be  none  till  our  land  is  delivered  from  the  curse  of 
“ intemperance.  Patient,  persistent,  persevering  following  up 
“ of  the  fight  must  be  our  policy.  The  victories  we  win  must 
“ but  inspire  us  to  more  heroic  efforts,  and  the  defeats  we  sus- 
“ tain  but  make  us  the  more  determined  and  energetic  in  our 
“ activity.  We  must  follow  up  our  victories  and  retrieve  our 
“ defeats,  and  ever  press  on  and  on  till  final  and  complete 
“ triumph  is  ours.  ’’ 

Prince  Edward  Island. — Immediately  the  Scott  Act  was 
passed  the  people  of  Prince  Edward  Island  put  it  into  force  in 
nearly  every  place,  and  no  province  gave  this  Act  a more  faith- 
ful trial.  The  Act  was  the  forerunner  of  provincial  Prohibition, 
adopted  in  1907,  which  has  effectively  closed  the  liquor  saloons 
in  every  part  of  the  province.  The  greatest  drawback  at  present 
to  the  complete  success  of  Prohibition  is  the  power  to  import 
intoxicating  liquors  for  personal  use,  and  the  legislature  is  ap- 
pealing to  the  Dominion  Parliament  to  prohibit  such  importation. 
The  great  benefit  of  the  existing  law  is,  however,  universally 
admitted. 

The  Prime  Minister,  replying  to-  questions  from  Com- 
missioners appointed  by  the  New  Brunswick  Government  (1911), 
said  : — 

“ So  far  as  Prohibition  is  concerned  there  is  no  doubt  as  to 
“ its  being  far  away  ahead  of  any  other  law  that  I have  known. 
“ The  genteral  impression  is  that  it  has  been  a great  success,  and 
“ has  done  a great  deal  of  good.  It  has  been  proved  here  that 
“ the  sale  of  liquor,  in  a town  of  this  size — Charlottetown — can, 
“ and  has  been,  prevented.  Although  not  a teetotaler  myself,  I 
“ think  the  law  is  a great  step  in  advance  in  preventing  the  sale 
“ of  liquor.  We  have  practically  no  crime,  our  jails  are  almost 
“ empty,  and  we  have  very  few  prosecutions  in  the  Supreme 
“ Court.  In  Queen ^s  County  Jail  we  have  only  three  prisoners, 
“ in  Prince  County  Jail  only  four,  and  in  King’s  County  Jail  there 
“ are  none  at  all.  ’’ 

Thus,  with  a population  of  over  103,000  there  were  only 
seven  prisoners  in  the  jails  of  the  whole  province,  as  compared 
to  451  in  1907,  when  liquor  saloons  were  permitted. 

Quebec. — In  spite  of  having  what  is  called  a Model  Licence 
Law,  wherever  liquor  is  sold  throughout  Quebec  drunkenness 


262 


and  all  its  by-products  prevail.  In  many  cases  these  evils 
overflow  into  the  large  number  of  places  where  the  people  have 
been  wise  enough  to  prohibit  the  liquor  traffic.  Among  the 
many  advantages  derived  from  the  Quebec  licence  law  are  the 
prohibition  of  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  from  7 p.m.  on 
Saturday  to  7 a.m.  on  Monday;  on  all  provincial  election  days; 
and  to  all  young  people  under  18  years  of  age.  All  females  other 
than  the  wife  of  the  licence-holder,  and  all  males  under  eighteen 
years  of  age,  are  prohibited  from  serving  as  barmaids  or  barmen. 
A liquor  sellor  serving  an  habitual  drunkard,  after  notice,  is 
liable  to  pay  $500  (;^ioo)  to  the  wife  or  other  interested  person. 

The  Quebec  Licence  Laws  have  been  extensively  used  to 
vote  out  the  liquor  traffic  from  parish,  town,  city,  and  county. 
Under  these  laws,  on  a demand  of  30  electors,  a meeting 
to  consider  the  liquor  question  must  be  held,  and  a vote 
taken  on  a bye-law  to  prohibit  the  issue  of  liquor  licences.  At 
this  meeting  none  but  electors  can  attend,  and  the  Mayor,  who 
may  preside,  has  to  ask  each  elector,  “ Are  you  in  favour  of  the 
bye-law  or  against?  .\nswer  Yea  or  Nay.”  The  response  of 
the  elector  is  duly  recorded.  A bare  majority  will  carry  Pro- 
hibition, which  will  remain  in  force  until  repealed.  This  cannot 
be  done  in  less  than  two  years.  One  of  the  curiosities  of  this 
Act  is  that  one  local  municipality  may  adopt  a prohibitory  bye- 
law' previously  adopted  by  a neighbouring  municipality,  in  which 
case  neither  can  repeal  it  without  the  consent  of  the  other. 

In  1911  Mr.  J.  Mackenzie,  Provincial  Treasurer,  of  Quebec, 
in  delivering  his  Budget  Speech,  stated  ; — 

” The  past  fiscal  year  has  been  the  most  satisfactory'  and 
” successful  in  the  history  of  the  province.  The  Temperance 
‘‘  movement  has  made  considerable  progress,  while  the  number 
” of  places  licensed  for  the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  is  decreasing. 
” In  twelve  counties  no  liquor  licences  have  been  issued,  and  in 
“ others  there  are  several  places  w'here  there  are  prohibitory 
” bye-laws.  In  all,  prohibitory  bye-laws  have  been  enforced  in 
‘‘307  towns  and  villages;  w'hile  in  341  other  places,  although 
‘‘  there  were  no  such  bye-laws,  no  liquor  licences  have  been 
” issued.  ” 

In  1912  there  were  1,038  municipalities,  and  the  number  pro- 
hibiting the  liquor  traffic  had  increased  to  767  (74.89  per  cent.), 
while  In  only  271  (25.11  per  cent.)  were  licences  issued  for  the 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors. 


CHAPTER  III 


The  N.W.  Provinces  and  Newfoundland 

“Why  do  1 not  want  alcohol  as  a beverag'e  in  a country  where  cold  is 
extreme  exposure  is  constant,  and  physical  conditions  are  full  of  hardships? 
Simply  because  I have  seen  men  go  down  in  the  struggle  lor  want  of  that 
natural  strength,  which  alcohol  alone  had  robbed  them  of.  I do  not  think  I 
am  unnecessarily  prejudiced  or  bigoted  when  I say  that  alcohol  is  inadvisable, 
after  one  has  seen  it  robbing  his  best  friends  of  strength,  honor,  reason, 
kindliness,  love,  money  and  even  life.  During  all  my  experience  on  the  sea 
and  on  the  snow  in  winter — an  experience  coming  after  an  upbringing  in 
soft  places — I have  found  that  alcohol  is  entirely  unnecessary  It  is  not 
necessary  for  either  health  or  happiness,  for  I have  known  no  set  of  men 
healthier,  happier,  or  enjoying  their  lives  more  than  the  crews  of  my  own 
vessel,  and  the  many,  many  fishermen,  and  others,  who  like  oursehes, 
neither  touch,  taste  or  handle  it  ” — Dr.  Wilfred  T.  Grenfell^  Labrador  ( 1913 )■ 


In  Manitoba  and  throughout  the  whole  of  the  North-West 
Provinces  there  are  enormous  tracts  of  country,  covering  thou- 
sands of  square  miles,  with  thousands  of  inhabitants,  ever  en- 
larging by  immigration  from  Europe  and  the  United  States, 
where  there  has  never  yet  been  a legalised  liquor  saloon,  or 
brewery,  or  where  they  have  been  banished  by  means  of  the 
Direct  Popular  Veto. 

Alberta. — The  liquor  laws,  while  conferring  the  power  of 
Local  Option,  by  which  the  electors  can  and  do  prohibit  the  retail 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors,  also  make  it  imperative  for  any  per- 
sons desirous  of  obtaining  a licence  to  secure  the  written  consent 
of  a large  proportion  of  the  electors.  As  this  is  practically  im- 
possible in  rural  Alberta,  there  are  very  few  licences  issued.  In 
a number  of  the  more  populous  places  polls  under  the  Local 
Option  Law  have  been  held,  and  the  requisite  majority  of  three- 
fifths  has  been  secured,  thus  prohibiting  the  liquor  saloons  being 
continued  or  set  up  in  their  midst. 

British  Columbia. — This  is  the  most  backward  of  all  the 
Canadian  provinces.  The  Scott  Act  has  been  put  into  operation 
in  a few  places,  but  there  is  no  provincial  Local  Option  Law. 
The  struggle  has  of  late  years  developed  into  an  effort  to  secure 
from  the  Provincial  Legislature  a Local  Veto  Law,  which  would 
give  the  people  complete  power  to  suppress  the  liquor  traffic  in 
each  town  and  district.  In  1909  a poll  was  ordered  by  the  Pro- 
vincial Legislature  to  be  taken  on  this  question,  the  result  of 
which  was  : For  a Local  Veto  measure  22,779,  Against  19,084, 
a majority  of  3,695  for  the  proposal.  The  Government,  how- 


264 


ever,  declared  the  majority  to  be  too  small  to  warrant  them  at- 
tempting- to  pass  such  a measure  into  law. 

The  Government  in  1910  introduced  and  passed  a new 
licensing  measure.  This  Act  closes  all  liquor  saloons  from  7 
p.m.  on  Saturday  to  7 a.m.  on  Monday;  not  more  than  three 
licensed  houses  are  permitted  to  exist  within  a radius  of  three 
miles  until  the  population  in  that  area  exceeds  1,000  w-hite  males  ; 
and  then  one  additional  licence  may  be  granted  for  each  additional 
1,000  of  such  persons;  no  liquor  saloon  is  permitted  to  be  open 
within  three  hundred  feet  of  any  church  or  educational  institution. 

Manitoba. — From  the  formation  of  the  territory  into  a pro- 
vince there  has  been  a most  determined  fight  against  the  liquor 
traffic.  In  1900  the  Provincial  Government  introduced  and 
passed  through  the  legislature  a bill  prohibiting  the  sale  of  in- 
toxicating liquors,  but  the  right  of  a Provincial  Legislature  being 
questioned,  the  Act  was  suspended.  In  1901  the  Privy  Council 
decided  that  the  Act  was  both  constitutional  and  valid,  but  the 
suspension  has  not  yet  been  removed,  so  that  it  is  only  by  the 
Local  Option  Law  that  the  people  can  suppress  the  liquor  traffic. 

Tlie  province  of  Manitoba  consisted,  in  1912,  of  143  muni- 
cipalities, and  in  43  of  these  the  liquor  traffic  had  been  prohibited 
by  popular  vote.  In  28  other  municipalities  no  licences  have 
been  issued,  so  that  there  are  71  under  Prohibition,  and  72  under 
licence.  By  Local  Veto  contests  the  people  have  succeeded  in 
driving  the  liquor  traffic  from  nearly  one-fifth  of  the  organised 
territory  of  the  province.  Appeals  to  the  high  court  on  mere 
technicalities,  and  the  three-fifths  majority  necessary  for  secur- 
ing no-licence,  have  been  great  obstacles  in  the  way  of  progress. 
By  new  legislation,  adopted  in  1911,  the  three-fifths  majority 
has  been  abolished,  and  a bare  majority  substituted. 

Mr.  W.  \V.  Buchanan,  the  Prohibition  leader  of  Manitoba, 
writing  in  January,  1913,  says  : — 

“ There  was  no  effort  made  at  the  last  annual  municipal 
“ elections  to  use  the  Local  Option  law  in  any  general  way. 
“ The  organised  provincial  forces  regard  the  processes  for 
“ bringing  Local  Option  into  operation  as  fatally  defective  and 
“ decline  to  approve  or  promote  a general  campaign  for  the 
“ extension  of  the  law  until  it  is  amended.  V'here  it  is  in  force 
“ it  works  very  well  and  is  fairly  administered.  It  is  a stronger 
“ Local  Option  law  that  similar  enactments  of  other  provinces, 
“ in  that  it  prohibits  the  importation,  and  penalises  railway’  com- 
“ panies,  or  other  common  carriers,  for  carrying  it  into  Local 
“ Option  municipalities. 

“ The  policy  of  the  organised  Temperance  forces  is  along 
“ the  line  of  a demand  for  a provincial  law,  closing  up  all 


265 


“ drinking-  places  and  forbidding  the  sale  of  intoxicants  through- 
‘ ‘ out  the  whole  province,  for  consumption  on  the  premises.  The 
“ slogan  of  this  movement  is  ‘ Banish  the  Bar.’  More  than 
“ twenty-five  per  cent,  of  the  electors  signed  a petition  in  1911 
“ demanding  a referendum  on  the  abolition  of  the  bar-room. 
“ The  Administration  was  pressed  by  a big  delegation  from  all 
“ the  churches  and  Temperance  societies,  the  grain  growers’ 
“ associations  and  the  labour  unions,  to  permit  the  electors  to 
“ vote  upon  the  issue,  but  declined.  At  the  last  session  of  the 
“ House,  1912,  two  members  moved  that  the  prayer  of  the 
“ petition  be  granted,  and  there  was  a very  lively  debate  over 
“ this  issue.  The  Administration  opposed  it  and  called  upon 
“ the  dominant  party  to  vote  it  down,  but  two  followers  voted 
“with  the  Opposition.  The  Temperance  people  regard  this 
“ movement  as  the  best  policy,  and  it  will  be  pressed  strongly 
“ upon  the  Legislative  Assembly  during  the  1913  session. 

“The  Grain  Growers’  Parliament  of  the  Province,  which 
“ met  in  January,  1913,  in  the  city  of  Brandon,  by  a unanimous 
“ vote,  endorsed  this  policy,  and  the  last  Trades  and  Labour 
“Congress  endorsed  it  by  a majority  vote.’’ 

To  meet  the  farmers  at  the  only  time  when  they  are  able  to 
attend  meetings,  the  Royal  Templars  have  arranged  an  auto- 
mobile tour  of  late  years.  Three  or  four  meetings  are  held  and 
some  sixty  or  seventy  miles  covered  in  this  effort  every  day. 
Literature  is  distributed,  and  special  addresses  are  given.  By 
this  means  the  principle  of  Prohibition  is  being  spread,  not  only 
in  the  large  centres,  but  in  the  many  newly-occupied  districts. 
The  Moral  and  Social  Reform  Council,  led  by  Mr.  W.  W. 
Buchanan,  is  carrying  on  a great  agitation  for  the  bringing  into 
operation  of  Provincial  Prohibition. 

Saskatchewan. — The  new  Province  of  Saskatchewan  has, 
since  its  incorporation,  adopted  a Liquor  Licence  Act,  by  which 
the  whole  of  the  licensing  is  placed  in  the  hands  of  a central  board 
of  Commissioners,  consisting  of  three  men,  whose  action  in 
granting  or  refusing  licences  is  supreme.  The  Scott  Act  gives 
the  electors  power  to  secure  the  abolition  of  liquor  saloons,  but 
at  present  the  brewers  have  the  advantage  of  being  able  to  secure 
a licence  from  the  Commission  if  they  can  get  ten  of  the  nearest 
tvventy  householders  to  sign  a petition  in  favour,  although  seven 
of  the  twenty  householders  can  prevent  the  issue  of  the  licence, 
if  they  are  prepared  to  make  charges  and  substantiate  them.  No 
licences  can  be  granted  outside  an  incorporated  village  (which 
must  consist  of  fifty  persons),  town  or  city.  Ordinary  liquor 
saloons  are  not  permitted  in  any  part  of  the  province,  only  hotels 
and  stores  can  be  licensed.  The  continually  increasing  body 
of  emigration  is  one  of  the  great  difficulties  in  the  way  of  Pro- 


266 


hibition.  While  in  the  populous  places  there  are  comparatively 
tew  licences  issued,  the  rural  districts  are  mainly  free  from  any 
legal  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors. 

Newfoundland. — The  Crown  Colony  of  Newfoundland  is 
independent  of  the  Canadian  Parliament.  By  wise  laws  and  Local 
Veto  the  whole  Dominion  has  been  nearly  freed  from  the  liquor 
traffic.  Mr.  Edward  Smith,  a visitor  from  England,  who  spent 
some  considerable  time  in  the  country  during  1910,  writes  ; — 

“ I was  very  pleased  to  find  the  Temperance  sentiment  so 
“ strong  in  Newfoundland.  It  will  not  be  long  before  the  capital 
“ of  St.  John’s  will  be  won  for  no-licence.  At  present,  all  the 
“ outposts,  which  represent  a population  of  190,000  out  of 
“ 250,000  for  the  whole  island,  have  no-licence.  These  out- 
“ posts  are  all  fishing  stations,  and  though  some  drink  is 
“ smuggled  in  from  the  French  islands,  and  from  St.  John’s,  the 
“ advantage  of  no-licence  is  unmistakeable.  At  St.  John’s  I 
“ went  over  the  only  prison  in  the  Island,  in  which  there  were 
“ forty  persons,  thirty-seven  being  from  St.  John’s,  with  60,000 
“ people,  where  drink  is  sold,  and  only  three  from  the  190,000, 
“ where  there  are  no  liquor  saloons.” 

Tlie  Governor  has  also  stated  that  ‘‘if  you  close  the  saloons 
in  St.  John’s  you  will  close  the  prison.” 

In  .\pril,  1911,  an  Early  Closing  Temperance  Act  was  passed 
by  the  legislature,  by  which  the  public-houses  are  closed  from  6 
p.m.  to  9 a.m.,  and  from  6 p.m.  on  Saturday  to  9 a. m.  on  Mon- 
day. At  Christmas-time  they  are  closed  from  Dec.  23rd  at  6 
p.m.  to  Dec.  26th  at  9 a.m.  The  St.  John’s  Evening  Telegram 
for  Dec.  31st,  1911,  stated,  ‘‘  The  chief  legislation  of  value  was 
the  Early  Closing  Act,  which  is  already  justifying  its  existence.” 

It  is  remarkable,  and  a noteworthy  fact,  that  no  constituency 
or  district  in  the  Colony  which  has  once  adopted  no-licence 
has  ever  voted  to  have  the  liquor  traffic  again  established  in  their 
midst.  The  district  of  Twillingate,  having  a population  of 
20,000  has  had  no-licence  in  operation  since  1883,  and  during 
the  whole  of  the  thirty  years  there  have  been  only  25  convictions, 
and  for  several  years  there  has  not  been  a single  arrest  for  any 
crime  whatever.  The  town  of  Carbonear,  with  over  5,000  in- 
habitants—a shipping  and  railway  centre — has  had  no-licence 
since  1883.  For  the  five  years  preceding  the  adoption  of  no- 
licence there  were  157  arrests  for  drunkenness,  but  for  the  five 
years  ending  1909  there  were  only  15,  showing  a reduction  of  90 
per  cent.  For  the  five  years  preceding  no-licence  there  were  ten 
convictions  for  shebeening,  but  for  the  five  years  ending  1909 
there  were  only  four  convictions  for  this  offence. 


CHAPTER  IV 


The  United  States  of  America 


“American  constitutions  provide  that  when  any  great  question  afFec  ing 
the  social  happiness  or  prosperity  of  the  people  is  to  be  deterrsined,  the 
legislature  shall  by  constitutional  amendment,  submit  it  to  the  people.  The 
alcoholic  liquor  traffic  is  an  old  institution,  and  the  charges  urged  against  it 
are  that  its  vvhole  result  debauch  and  degrade  society  Therefore  the  verdict, 
for  and  against  the  traffic  must  be  made  by  the  people  They,  desiring  to 
act  intelligently,  will  investigate  the  v\hole  matter  The  time  necessary  for 
this  wilt  prevent  rash  or  injudicious  action  and  when  the  verdict  is  made,  it 
will  be  an  intelligent  verdict,  and  will  be  enforced,  because  it  will  be  the 
verdict  of  the  people  ; and  woe  to  the  politican  or  party  who  disregard  the 
vox  popuii.''— yoAn  B.  Finch,  Boston  (1883). 


The  United  States  of  America  has  a population  of  over 
91,000,000.  There  are  48  States  and  Territories,  and  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia  or  Washington,  the  Capital.  In  1912  there 
were  eight  States,  having  a population  of  13,464,842,  with  State- 
wide Prohibition.  West  Virginia  has  adopted  State-wide  Pro- 
hibition, but  it  does  not  go  into  effect  until  1914,  when  there  will 
be  an  additional  population  of  1,221,119  under  State-wide  Pro- 
hibition. In  the  Local  Option  States  there  is  a population  of 
32,564,908  living  in  Prohibition  areas,  where  the  liquor  traffic 
has  been  A'oted  down  by  popular  veto,  thus  making  a total  popu- 
lation of  no  less  than  46,029,750  in  Prohibition  areas,  as  against 
45,932,566  in  Licence  areas. 

The  people  of  the  United  States  can  by  an  amendment  to 
the  constitution  bring  about  the  entire  prohibition  of  the  manu- 
facture, importation  and  sale  of  intoxicants,  but  until  this  has 
been  accomplished  the  Federal  Government  has  no  authority  over 
the  liquor  traffic  in  the  various  States,  beyond  the  collection  of 
a tax  from  each  liquor-seller.  It  cannot  forbid  the  opening  of 
saloons,  nor  can  it  authorise  their  existence,  except  that  no  per- 
son can  legally  sell  intoxicating  liquors  without  paying  the 
Federal  Government  liquor  tax.  The  Federal  Government  has 
full  power,  however,  over  all  inter-state  commerce,  Indian  Reser- 
vations and  Territories,  the  Army  and  Navy,  Immigration  Sta- 
tions, and  all  purely  national  matters,  together  with  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  District  of  Columbia,  the  seat  of  the  Federal 
.^uthority. 


268 


Among  the  pioneers  of  the  modern  Temperance  movement 
in  the  United  States  must  be  named  Benjamin  Rush,  a celebrated 
Philadelphia  doctor,  who,  in  the  latter  days  of  the  eighteenth  cen- 
tury, published  some  of  his  investigations  in  reference  to  the 
alcoholic  habit,  entitled  “ Medical  Inquiries  into  the  Effects  of 
Ardent  Spirits  upon  the  Human  Mind”;  Dr.  Lyman  Beecher, 
the  celebrated  divine,  of  New  York,  who,  in  the  early  days  of 
the  nineteenth  century,  preached  six  sermons  on  intemperance; 
L.  M.  Sargent,  a celebrated  novelist  of  Massachusetts,  who  wrote 
a number  of  very  successful  Temperance  stories ; and  E.  C. 
Delavan,  a wealthy  merchant  of  New  York,  who  published 
tens  of  thousands  of  pages  of  matter  from  the  pens  of  Dr.  Rush, 
Dr.  Beecher,  Mr.  Sargent,  and  others.  This  literature  was 
widely  distributed  on  both  sides  of  the  .Atlantic. 

Organisations  soon  sprang  into  existence  to  combat  the  evils 
of  intemperance.  One  of  the  first  was  established  at  Moreau, 
Saratoga,  N.Y. , by  Dr.  G.  B.  Clark,  a young  medical  man,  who 
found  the  evils  of  drinking'  so  bad  that  he  declared,  ‘‘  Unless 
something  is  done  to  stop  drinking  we  shall  certainly  become  a 
community  of  drunkards.  ” Several  of  the  religious  denominations 
took  the  matter  into  their  consideration,  some  making  strong 
declarations  in  favour  of  total  abstinence.  In  1814  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ  adopted  a rule  that  ‘‘  Every  member  shall 
abstain  from  strong  drink,  and  use  it  only  when  necessity  re- 
quires it  as  a medicine.”  In  1818  the  Presbyterians  of  Geneva 
County,  N.Y. , resolved  to  recommend  all  their  members 
“Wholly  to  abstain  from  the  use  of  ardent  spirits,  except  for 
medicinal  purposes.”  The  Baptist,  Congregational,  Metho- 
dists, Friends,  and  practically  every  other  religious  denomina- 
tion took  similar  action.  In  1826  the  .American  Temperance 
Society  was  formed,  when  a vigorous  agitation  was  commenced, 
which  has  continued  to  the  present  day.  The  International  Order 
of  Good  Templars  was  formed  in  1851  ; the  National  Prohibition 
Party  in  1869;  The  AVomen’s  Christian  Temperance  Union  in 
1874;  Tire  Anti-Saloon  League  in  1888;  and  the  International 
Reform  Bureau  in  1S96.  Each  of  these  organisations  have  done 
much  to  spread  the  cause. 

It  soon  became  apparent  to  the  .American  Temperance  re- 
formers that  moral  suasion  alone  was  practically  useless  in  at- 
tempting- to  cure  the  drink  evil.  Drunkards  reclaimed  after  in- 
finite trouble  and  expense,  repeatedly  fell  away  again,  owing  to 
the  many  licensed  liquor  shops  to  be  found  in  every  village,  ham- 
let, town  and  cit}'  in  every  State.  AA'orse  still,  there  was  an 
ever-increasing  number  of  young  people,  educated  at  great 
expense,  who  became  addicted  to  the  alcoholic  habit  from  the 


269 


same  cause,  thus  making  it  absolutely  necessary  that  the  law 
should  be  invoked  against  this  evil.  Under  these  circumstances 
appeals  for  drastic  legislation  against  the  liquor  traffic  were 
poured  into  every  State  Legislature,  in  reply  to  which  a number 
of  laws  were  passed  attempting  to  remedy  the  evil. 

The  regulation  of  the  liquor  traffic  having  failed,  the  entire 
prohibition  of  the  traffic  was  proposed,  and  after  a most  strenu- 
ous fight,  was  adopted  in  1851  by  the  State  of  Maine.  The  law 
was  repealed  in  1856,  but  re-enacted  in  1858,  and  has  remained  in 
force  to  the  present  time.  A number  of  other  State  legislatures 
also  adopted  prohibitory  laws,  some,  however,  only  aimed  at 
spirit-drinking,  and  others  applied  to  unincorporated  districts. 
Then  came  the  great  upheaval  in  reference  to  Negro  Slavery  and 
State  Rights.  Temperance  reformers  became  absorbed  in  the 
anti-slavery  agitation,  which  ended  in  the  terrible  civil  war,  which 
was  closed  in  1864  by  the  abolition  of  slavery.  In  the  meantime 
the  liquor  traffic  had  been  active,  securing  the  repeal  of  pro- 
hibitory laws  in  several  of  the  States,  while  the  organised  Tem- 
perance movement  was  almost  destroyed. 

At  the  close  of  the  civil  war  a re-organisation  or  the  forces 
in  favour  of  sobriety  had  to  take  place,  and  in  many  States  this 
took  years  of  most  anxious  labour  and  most  determined  agita- 
tion. Renewed  attempts  were  made  to  place  Prohibition  on  the 
statute  book.  Massachusetts  adopted  Prohibition  in  i86g,  but 
changed  to  a local  option  law  in  1875.  Rhode  Island  passed  a 
similar  law  in  1875,  but  repealed  it  in  the  same  year,  re-enacted 
it  in  1886,  and  changed  it  to  a local  option  law  in  1889.  South 
Dakota  adopted  Prohibition  in  i88g,  but  changed  it  to  a local 
option  law  in  1898.  Iowa  adopted  Prohibition  in  1884,  but 
neutralised  it  by  what  is  known  as  the  “ Mulct  ” law,  adopted  in 
1894,  by  which,  under  certain  arrangements,  the  Prohibition  law 
can  be  set  aside.  Kansas  adopted  Prohibition  in  1881,  and 
North  Dakota  in  1889.  Then  came  what  has  been  called  the 
“ Wave  of  Prohibition  ” in  the  Southern  States.  Constitutional 
Prohibition  was  adopted  by  huge  majorities  in  Oklahoma  in 
1908,  and  again  in  1910,  North  Carolina  in  1909,  and  West  Vir- 
ginia in  1912.  Statutory  Prohibition  was  adopted  by  the  State 
Legislatures  of  Georgia  in  1907,  Mississippi  in  1909,  and 
Alabama  in  1909,  in  the  latter  State,  however,  owing  to*  political 
complications,  the  law  was  almost  immediately  set  aside  in  favour 
of  a drastic  local  option  law.  In  only  two  instances,  where  Pro- 
hibition has  been  adopted  by  a State  popular  vote,  has  the  law 
been  repealed  in  a like  manner,  viz.,  Rhode  Island  and  South 
Dakota,  and  in  each  case  a drastic  local  option  law  was  carried. 


270 


by  means  of  which  a large  portion  of  each  State  is  now  under  no- 
licence. 

Dealing,  in  1913,  with  the  results  of  Prohibition  among  the 
negro  race  in  the  Southern  States,  Dr.  Booker  T.  Washington, 
the  great  negro  educationalist,  says  : — 

“ Long  years  of  observation  have  convinced  me  that  strong 
“ drink  is  one  of  the  worst  evils  that  beset  the  negro.  If  the 
“ money  they  spend  annually  for  strong  drink  was  invested  in 
“ property  their  wealth  would  be  increased  each  year  by  millions 
“ of  dollars. 

“ Ever  since  Prohibition  has  been  advocated  in  the  South 
“ I have  been  greatly  interested  in  it.  My  own  observations 
“ and  the  best  information  that  I can  obtain  convince  me  that 
“ Prohibition  is  a good  thing  for  the  negro.  I am  reliably  in- 
“ formed  that  since  the  restriction  of  the  sale  of  liquor  in  South 
“ Carolina  drinking  has  visibly  decreased  among  the  negroes. 
“ In  Alabama,  the  amount  of  liquor  consumed  by  the  coloured 
“ people  has  been  greatly  reduced.  This  I have  observed  to  be 
“ especially  true  in  my  owm  county. 

“ Another  thing  that  Prohibition  does  is  to  enable  the 
“ negroes  to  save  more  of  their  money.  In  a single  Court  in 
“ Atlanta,  since  Prohibition  has  gone  into  effect,  the  fines  im- 
“ posed  upon  negroes  have  decreased  fifty  per  cent,  annually. 
“ This  means  that  these  same  negroes  will  have  that  much  more 
“ money  to  spend  for  food,  for  clothing,  and  to  invest  in  pro- 
“ perty.  Another  thing  that  Prohibition  has  done  has  been  to 
“ reduce  crime.  I find  that  it  is  true  that  wherever  there  is 
“ Prohibition  crime  among  the  coloured  people  has  decreased. 

“ Chief  Justice  Clarke,  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  North  Caro- 
“ lina,  says  that  since  the  State-wide  Prohibition  law  has  gone 
“ into  effect  in  that  State  crime  has  been  reduced  50  per  cent. 
“ Murder  in  the  first  degree  has  decreased  32  per  cent.  ; bur- 
“ glary,  20  per  cent.  ; attacks  with  deadly  weapons,  30  per  cent.  ; 
“ larceny,  30  per  cent.  ; manslaughter,  25  per  cent.  ; murder  in 
“ the  second  degree,  35  per  cent.,  and  in  some  instances  crimes 
“ have  decreased  more  than  60  per  cent,  since  Prohibition  went 
“ into  effect. 

“ I recently  made  an  investigation  of  the  effect  of  Prohibi- 
“ tion  on  crime  in  Alabama.  I sent  out  inquiries  to  sheriffs, 
“ chiefs  of  police,  and  recorders  of  police  courts,  asking  their 
“ opinion  as  to  the  chief  causes  of  negro  crime,  and  the  effects 
“ of  Prohibition.  The  majority  of  these  replies  show  that  strong 
“ drink  is  the  chief  cause  of  crime  among  the  negroes  of  the 
“ State.  These  statements  were  corroborated  by  the  report  of 
“ the  State  .A.ttorney-General,  which  shows  that  53  per  cent,  of 
“ all  murders  in  the  State  were  due  to  strong  drink. 


271 


“ The  effect  of  Prohibition  upon  crime  among-  the  people 
“ of  my  race  has  in  many  cases  been  remarkable.  In  my  own 
“ county  in  Alabama  crime  has  been  reduced  6o  per  cent.,  since 
“ Prohibition  went  into  effect  in  the  county  four  years  ago.  In 
" many  other  counties  in  the  State  there  has  been  a like  reduc- 
“ tion  in  the  amount  of  crime  under  Prohibition.  When  every- 
“ thing,  therefore,  is  considered,  it  appears  to  me  that  Prohibi- 
“ tion  is  an  excellent  thing  for  the  negro.” 

In  September,  1909,  the  Financial  World  (the  leading 
Bankers’  Journal  of  New  York),  in  an  editorial  under  the  heading 
” Growth  of  the  Prohibition  Wave,”  stated  : — 

” The  liquor  trade  has  not  yet  seen  its  worst  days,  . . . 
” that  the  investors  in  stocks  and  bonds  of  the  breweries  and 
” distilleries  are  looking  to  the  future  with  the  greatest  mis- 
” giving  is  not  surprising.  The  opponents  of  the  liquor  industry 
” have  a powerful  press,  the  Churches,  and  the  women’s  organ- 
‘‘  isations  on  their  side,  and  the  outcome  of  their  war  on  the 
‘‘  saloon  seems  hardly  in  doubt.” 

The  liquor  question  has  constantly  been  brought  before  Con- 
gress, and  many  very  useful  Acts  have  been  passed  into  law. 
The  difficult  position  of  inter-state  commerce  has  repeatedly  been 
under  discussion.  Bill  after  Bill  has  been  introduced  to  prevent 
the  sending  of  intoxicating  liquors  from  licensed  States  into  Pro- 
hibition States,  but  without  success,  till  during  the  Congres- 
sional Session  of  1912  Bills  were  introduced,  both  in  the  Senate 
and  the  House,  and  by  an  amalgamation  of  forces  a very  satis- 
factory Bill  was  adopted,  and  which  was  eventually  passed  over 
the  veto  of  President  Taft.  This  important  law  is  as  follows  : — 

‘‘  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
‘‘  of  the  United  States  of  America  in  Congress  assembled, 

” That  the  shipment  or  transportation  of  any  manner  or 
‘‘  by  any  means  whatever  of  any  spirituous,  vinous,  malted,  fer- 
‘‘  mented,  or  other  Intoxicating  liquor  of  any  kind,  including 
” beer,  ale,  or  wine,  from  one  State,  territory,  or  district  of  the 
” United  States,  or  place  noncontiguous  to  but  subject  to  the 
‘‘  jurisdiction  thereof,  or  from  any  foreign  country  into  any 
‘‘  State,  territory,  or  district  of  the  United  States,  or  place  non- 
‘‘ contiguous  to  but  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  thereof,  which 
‘‘  said  spirituous,  vinous,  malted,  fermented,  or  other  intoxi- 
” eating  liquor  is  intended  to  be  received,  possessed,  sold,  or  in 
” any  manner  used,  either  in  the  original  package  or  otherwise, 
” in  violation  of  any  law  of  such  State,  territory  or  district  of  the 
United  States,  or  place  noncontiguous  to  but  subject  to  the 
‘‘  jurisdiction  thereof  enacted  in  the  exercise  of  the  police  powers 
“of  such  State,  territory  or  district  of  the  United  States,  or 
‘‘  place  noncontiguous  to  but  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  thereof, 
” is  hereby  prohibited.  ” 


272 


For  many  years  Congress  has  prohibited  the  sale  or  gift  of 
intoxicating  liquors  to  Indians,  and  the  introduction  of  such 
liquors,  for  any  purpose  whatever,  is  made  a penal  offence.  For 
the  six  years  ending  1912,  nearly  $500,000  (;£’ioo,ooo)  has  been 
voted  by  Congress  for  protecting  the  Indians  from  the  illicit 
liquor  traffic,  which  is  conducted  by  a set  of  desperadoes  invest- 
ing every  Indian  Reservation.  The  returns  for  igii  show  that 
1,657  persons  were  arrested  for  attempting  to  sell  intoxicants  to 
Indians,  and  that  1,055  were  convicted,  .^n  aggregate  of  over 
200  years  imprisonment  was  imposed,  and  $6g,6io  (;^i3,922) 
was  paid  in  fines.  With  a view  to  the  better  protection  of  these 
people  from  the  ravages  of  intoxicating  liquors  it  is  proposed  to 
extend  the  Prohibition  zone  to  25  miles  around  every  Indian 
Reservation  in  the  United  States. 

For  very  many  years  intoxicating  liquors  have  been  pro- 
hibited in  the  United  States  Navy,  but  the  sale  of  such  liquors 
was  permitted  in  connection  with  the  Army  canteens.  In  igoi 
the  Anti-Canteen  Law  was  passed  by  Congress,  by  which  all 
liquor  canteens  in  the  Army  barracks  were  abolished.  At  first 
the  liquor  advocates  declared  that  drunkenness  and  crime  had 
greatly  increased,  but  this  was  clearly  disproved  by  an  official 
statement  issued  in  1911  by  Judge-.^dvocate  G.  E.  Davis,  in 
which  it  was  stated  : — • 

“ The  year  prior  to  the  closing  of  the  canteen  (1900)  the 
“ number  of  General  Court  Martials  held  was  6,680,  of  which 
“ 1,645  were  for  drunkenness.  After  six  years  of  the  Anti- 
“ Canteen  law  these  had  been  reduced  to  4,596,  of  which  only 
“ 304  were  for  drunkenness.” 

Since  1902  Congress  has  voted  no  less  a sum  than  $5,000,000 
(^1,000,000)  for  the  erection,  equipment  and  maintenance  of 
suitable  recreation  buildings  for  the  comfort  and  sociability  of 
the  soldiers.  The  sale  of  intoxicants  is  also  prohibited  in  all 
Soldiers’  and  Sailors’  Homes,  Emigrant  Stations  and  all  the 
United  States  .^rmy  Reservations.  In  1910  a Bill  was  passed 
by  Congress  granting  money  to  the  National  Homes  for  Disabled 
Volunteers,  in  which  it  was  enacted; — ‘‘That  no  part  of  the 
appropriation  shall  be  expended  for  any  purpose  at  any  branch 
that  maintains  a bar,  canteen,  or  other  place  where  beer,  wine, 
or  other  intoxicating  liquors  are  sold.” 

In  connection  with  the  public  education  of  the  young  it  is 
gratifying  to  know  that  in  every  State  in  the  Union  Temperance 
is  taught  in  all  the  public  schools.  Several  most  determined 
attempts  on  the  part  of  the  liquor  party  have  been  made  to  dis- 
continue this  method  of  spreading  Temperance  knowledge,  but 
in  every  case  these  attempts  have  been  frustrated. 


273 


While  until  1913  there  was  no  enactment  dealing  with 
the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  by  railway  employees,  nor  pro- 
hibiting their  sale  at  railway  stations,  or  on  board  trains,  the  great 
Railway  Corporations  of  the  United  States  have,  for  many  years, 
prohibited  their  servants  from  drinking  while  on  duty.  During 
the  last  few  years  this  prohibition  has  been  greatly  extended, 
many  Railway  Corporations  compelling  their  employees  to  be 
total  abstainers,  and  prohibiting  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors 
at  any  of  their  stations  or  on  any  of  their  trains. 

The  attitude  of  the  general  public  to  the  liquor  traffic  may  be 
somewhat  gauged  from  the  fact  that  in  connection  with  the 
great  Fraternal  Organisations,  Masonic,  Trade  and  Thrift 
Societies,  having  a membership  of  over  ten  millions,  liquor- 
sellers  are  excluded  from  membership.  At  the  two  great  Con- 
ventions held  to  nominate  candidates  for  the  Presidency,  both  the 
Democratic  and  Republican  Parties  excluded  the  sale  of  intoxi- 
cants from  the  Convention  Buildings.  The  Alaska-Yukon-Pacific 
Exhibition,  held  at  Seattle,  Washington,  in  igii,  was  conducted 
upon  Temperance  principles,  no  liquor  bars  being  permitted. 
Last,  but  not  least.  Congress  in  1911  prohibited  the  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors  at  any  of  the  refreshment  bars  in  the  Capital 
Building  at  Washington,  D.C.,  and  in  1913  passed  a very  drastic 
law  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  declared  to  be  the  forerunner 
of  entire  Prohibition. 

A movement  was  commenced  in  1913  to  secure  from  Con- 
gress the  submission  of  an  amendment  to  the  Federal  Constitu- 
tion in  favour  of  the  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  throughout 
the  United  States.  Congress  must  first  adopt  a constitutional 
amendment,  and  this  must  be  supported  by  three-fourths — 36 
States — before  it  becomes  effective.  A State  once  having  ratified 
the  amendment  cannot  rescind  its  action  until  another  amend- 
ment has  been  adopted  by  Congress,  but  a State  failing  in  its 
first  effort  to  ratify  may  do  so  at  any  future  time. 

Already  the  movement  has  received  the  powerful  support  of 
a large  number  of  the  annual  gatherings  of  the  organised 
Christian  forces  of  the  United  States. 

The  Presbyterian  General  Assembly,  meeting  at  Atlanta, 
Georgia,  unanimously  adopted  the  following  resolution  : — 

“ Resolved  : That  we  favour  the  amendment  of  the  Consti- 
“ tution  of  the  United  States  prohibiting  the  manufacture,  im- 
“ portation,  sale  and  transportation  of  alcoholic  beverages.” 

The  General  Convention  of  the  Baptist  Churches  of  North 
America,  meeting  at  Detroit,  Michigan,  unanimously  declared  : — 

‘‘  We  would  respectively  and  earnestly  request  the  Congress 
‘‘  of  the  United  States  to  submit  for  ratification  by  the  States  an 


s 


274 


amendment  to  the  National  Constitution,  prohibiting  the 
manufacture  and  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  to  be  used  for 
beverage  purposes.  ’ ’ 

Prohibition  Cities  in  the  United  States  of  America, 


with  over  20,000  inhabitants. 

State  and  City. 

Population. 

California, 

Berkeley 

40.344 

) ) 

Passedena 

30,291 

Georgia, 

-Atlanta 

154.S39 

f y 

Augusta 

41 ,040 

y y 

Columbus 

20,554 

y y 

Macon 

40,664 

y y 

Savannah 

65,064 

Illinois, 

Evanston 

24.97« 

y y 

Rockford 

45.401 

Iowa, 

Ottumwa 

22,012 

y y 

Waterloo 

26,693 

Kansas, 

Kansas  City 

82,331 

y y 

Topeka 

43.684 

y y 

Wichita 

52,450 

Louisana, 

Shreveport 

28,015 

Maine, 

Bangor 

24.803 

y y 

Lewiston 

26,247 

y y 

Portland 

58,57^ 

Massachusetts, 

Brockton 

58,878 

) y 

Brookline 

27,792 

y y 

Cambridge 

104,839 

,, 

Everet 

33,484 

y » 

Lynn 

89.33^’ 

Malden 

44,404 

y 1 

Medford 

23,150 

, , 

Newton 

39,806 

y y 

Quincy 

32,642 

,, 

Salem 

43,697 

y y 

Somerville 

77,236 

y y 

Waltham 

27,834 

Mississippi, 

Jackson 

2 1 ,262 

Meridian 

23,285 

y y 

Vicksburg 

20,814 

North  Carolina, 

Charlotte 

34,014 

) y 

Wilmington 

25,748 

Oklahoma, 

Muskogee 

25,278 

) y 

Oklahoma  City 

64,205 

Pennsylvania, 

Butler 

20,728 

N ewcastle 

36,280 

Tennessee, 

Chattanooga 

44,604 

Knoxville 

36,346 

, , 

Memphis 

131,105 

y y 

Nashville 

110,364 

CHAPTER  V 


The  New  England  States 

“ When  the  orig-inal  Maine  law  was  first  enacted,  I wrote  to  the  then 
editor  of  the  National  Temperance  Advocate  that  ‘ more  than  any  other 
measure  this  law  will  bless  the  people  which  will  adopt  it.’  I am  no  less 
firmly  convinced  to-day  than  at  any  time  in  the  past  that  no  greater  good  to 
greater  numbers  can  otherwise  be  obtained  than  when  under  wise  and  con- 
scientious teachers,  and  fearless,  earnest  leaders,  the  people  shall  understand 
how  their  interests  are  subordinated  to  the  liquor  traffic,  and  shall  insist 
upon  putting  that  gigantic  crime  under  the  ban  of  honestly-enforced  pro- 
hibitory leg-islation.  ” — Hon.  General  Neal  Doiv,  Portland,  Maine  (1897). 


ITie  people  of  the  six  New  England  States  have  for  years 
made  strenuous  efforts  to  deal  effectively  with  the  liquor  traffic. 
While  Prohibition  is  only  in  force  in  Maine  as  a State  enactment, 
it  is  largely  the  law  of  each  of  the  other  five  States  by  means  of 
Local  Option  laws.  It  is  estimated  that  about  two-thirds  of  the 
entire  population  are  living  under  the  blessings  of  Prohibition. 

Connecticut. — This  State  is  divided  into  i68  Townships, 
and  in  89  of  these  the  people  by  popular  vote  have  forbidden  the 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  Among  the  many  laws  regulating 
the  liquor  traffic  are  : The  prohibition  of  music  and  games  in 
liquor  saloons  ; the  prohibition  of  women  and  minors  loitering 
about  saloons ; the  prohibition  of  saloons  being  opened  within 
200  yards  of  any  church,  school,  or  library ; the  prohibition  of 
the  soliciting  of  orders  in  any  no-licence  township.  A Bill  tO'  limit 
liquor  saloons  to  one  for  every  1,000  of  the  population,  instead 
of  500  as  at  present,  is  before  the  State  Legislature.  The  total 
population  in  igii  was  1,114,756,  of  which  200,000  are  living  in 
Prohibition  areas. 

Maine. — Statutory  Prohibition  was  first  adopted  in 
Maine  in  1851,  repealed  in  1856,  but  re-enacted  in 
1858.  In  1884  it  was  made  part  of  the  Constitution 
by  popular  vote,  as  follows: — ^For  Prohibition,  70,784; 
against,  23,811;  giving  a majority  of  46,972  in  favour  of 
Constitutional  Prohibition.  For  more  than  half  a century  Maine 
has  had  to  contend  with  the  liquor  forces,  but  at  every  attack 
the  people  have  determined  to  continue  their  Prohibition  law. 
In  1911  the  Democratic  Party  succeeded  in  electing  the  Governor 
and  a majority  of  members  in  the  Legislature.  Although  Pro- 
hibition was  only  a side  issue  in  the  contest,  the  main  question 
being  the  high  cost  of  living  which  existed  under  the  Republican 


276 


Government,  the  Legislature  decided  by  more  than  the  required 
two-thirds  vote  to  re-submit  the  question  of  Prohibition  to  a 
popular  vote.  The  contest  took  place  on  September  nth,  1911, 
and  created  great  interest  in  every  part  of  the  world.  The  result 
was  as  follows  : — For  maintaining  Prohibition  in  the  Constitu- 
tion, 60,853 ; against,  60,095 ! majority  for  Prohibition,  758. 
The  liquor  party  did  their  utmost  to  have  another  contest  on 
Prohibition  v.  Local  Option,  but  failed  to  secure  a majority  in 
the  Legislature. 

At  the  next  General  Election,  which  took  place  in 
September,  1912,  the  Governor  and  members  of  the  Legislature 
who  had  so  nearly  brought  about  the  defeat  of  Prohibition,  were 
swept  from  office  by  overwhelming  majorities,  and  a Prohibition 
Governor  and  Legislature  elected.  In  April,  1913,  the  newly- 
elected  Governor  preferred  charges  before  the  Legislature  against 
five  sheriffs  for  failing  to  enforce  the  prohibitory  law.  After  a 
thorough  Investigation  the  Legislature  called  upon  the  Governor 
to  remove  these  sheriffs  from  office,  and  they  were  removed  and 
men  appointed  pledged  to  enforce  the  law.  In  spite  of  the  Inter- 
State  Commerce  Law,  by  which  a large  amount  of  liquor 
has  been  brought  into  the  State  under  the  protection  of  the 
Federal  Government ; in  spite  of  the  sheriffs  in  some  of  the 
counties  occasionally  refusing  to  enforce  the  law ; and  in  spite 
of  endless  misrepresentations  on  the  part  of  the  liquor  interest, 
Prohibition  in  Maine  has  more  than  vindicated  itself  as  a source 
of  prosperity  and  civic  well-being.  It  has  imprisoned  the  few 
would-be  liquor  sellers  instead  of  thousands  of  drunkards.  It 
has  diverted  the  earnings  of  the  people  into  buying  homes  and 
farms,  together  with  other  forms  of  real  estate,  instead  of 
wasting  it  on  alcoholic  liquor,  which  so  often  brings  disaster, 
both  to  the  individual  and  nation.  The  total  population  of  Maine 
was  742,371,  all  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Massachusetts. — The  State  of  Massachusetts  is  divided 
into  33  cities  and  320  townships.  Lender  a high  licence  Local 
Option  law,  a vote  is  taken  in  the  cities  every  autumn,  and  in 
the  townships  every  spring.  At  the  last  contest  14  cities  and  247 
townships  voted  no-licence,  and  ig  cities  and  73  townships  voted 
licence.  The  total  vote  cast  for  no-licence  was  199,323,  an  in- 
crease over  the  last  vote  of  4,581,  while  the  total  vote  for  licence 
was  199,132,  showing  a majority  of  191  for  no-licence.  Outside 
the  city  of  Boston  fully  two-thirds  of  the  State  is  under  no- 
licence. 

In  what  is  called  greater  Boston  there  are  12  cities  and  17 
townships ; these  are  all  within  ten  miles  of  the  State  House.  Of 
this  number,  on  the  last  vote,  eight  cities  and  17  townships 


277 


voted  no-licence,  having  nearly  one-third  of  the  total  population. 
The  official  returns  showing  the  number  of  arrests  for  drunken- 
ness in  this  area  are  as  follows  ; — For  the  no-licence  cities  and 
townships  in  Greater  Boston,  13  per  1,000;  and  for  licence  cities 
and  townships,  52  per  1,000.  The  arrests  for  crime  work  out 
at  about  the  same  ratio,  that  is,  for  every  person  convicted  of 
crime  in  no-licence  areas,  four  are  convicted  in  licence  areas. 
The  late  Hon.  Henry  H.  Faxon,  a leading  Prohibitionist  of 
Boston,  stated: — “This  is  what  Prohibition  can  do  and  does, 
administered  frequently  by  hostile  officers  in  cities  surrounded 
by  liquor  territory,  and  practically  under  siege  all  the  time  by 
the  whole  liquor  power  of  the  United  States.’’ 

At  the  annual  convention  of  the  Massachusetts  State  Liquor 
League,  held  at  Springfield  in  July,  1913,  Mr.  Thomas  Burke,  in 
his  Presidential  address,  said 

“ It  is  absolutely  necessary,  and  more  so  now  than  at  any 
“ other  time,  that  we  do  something  to  protect  ourselves  against 
“ the  ever  increasing  aggressiveness  of  the  self-seeking  dema- 
“ goges  and  the  misguided  zeal  of  the  so-called  Temperance 
“ reformer.  This  is  the  real  purpose  of  our  organisation,  to 
“ create  and  maintain  a high  standard  for  the  licensed  liquor 
business.  By  so  doing  we  help  all  parties,  and  no  parties 
“ more  than  they  who  favour  us  with  their  patronage.  Let  us 
“ elevate  the  saloon  to  a high  standard,  and  we  shall  overcome 
“ the  prohibitionist  and  the  temporary  set-back  at  the  last 
“ elections.  ’’ 

The  liquor  party  have  been  defeated  in  their  effort  to  estab- 
lish a State  Licensing  Board,  which  if  appointed  would  have  had 
power  to  grant  hotel  licences  in  no-licence  areas.  The  attempt 
to  pass  a Bill  through  the  State  Legislature  in  favour  of  a State 
liquor  monopoly,  an  enlarged  Gothenburg  System,  met  with 
such  determined  opposition  that  the  Bill  was  withdrawn  by  the 
proposer.  The  total  population  was  3,366,416,  of  whom 
1,061,589  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

New  Hampshire. — The  State  Legislature  in  1903  passed  a 
Local  Option  law  by  means  of  which  a majority  of  the  voters  in 
any  city  or  township  can  suppress  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors 
in  their  district.  In  the  cities  the  voting  takes  place  every  four 
years,  and  in  the  towns  every  two  years.  Of  the  ii  cities  and 
224  townships,  four  cities  and  203  townships  have  voted  out  the 
saloons.  In  1913  about  65  per  cent.,  of  the  population  were  living 
in  no-licence  areas.  For  a number  of  years  New  Hampshire  was 
known  as  a Prohibition  State,  but  it  should  never  be  forgotten 
that  under  the  Prohibition  law  it  was  always  legal  to  manufacture 
any  kind  of  intoxicating  liquors,  and  the  breweries  and  distil- 


278 


leries  working  at  Portsmouth  and  other  places  created  a most 
complicated  state  of  affairs ; anomaly  was  a great  factor  in  the 
repeal  of  Prohibition.  The  total  population  was  430,572,  of 
whom  2,38,536  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Rhode  Island. — A Local  Option  Law  with  high  licence  was 
adopted  by  the  State  Legislature  in  1875.  This  law  is  stated  to 
have  been  the  worst  one  in  the  New  England  States.  The  diffi- 
culties in  the  way  of  securing  a poll  were  so  great  that  in  only  a 
few  instances  was  the  effort  made.  In  1913,  out  of  six  cities 
and  38  townships,  only  seven  townships  had  been  able  to  adopt  no- 
licence. Legislation  has  now  been  passed  by  which  a vote  will 
be  taken  every  year,  at  the  same  time  as  the  State  and  Federal 
elections  are  held.  Good  results  are  expected  to  follow  the  new 
law.  The  total  population  was  542,654,  of  whom  only  16,850 
were  living  in  Prohibition  area. 

Vermont. — The  State  Legislature,  in  1902,  passed  a Local 
Option  law,  and  a vote  has  to  be  taken  every  year.  At  the  last 
contest  in  the  autumn  of  1912,  out  of  246  townships  into  which  the 
State  is  divided,  no  less  than  225  vetoed  the  liquor  traffic  and 
only  21  voted  in  its  favour.  Every  county  in  the  State  gave 
a majority  in  favour  of  no-licence.  The  total  number  of  liquor 
saloons  in  the  State  has  been  reduced  from  84  to  67. 

Mr.  C.  H.  Haydon,  G.C.T.  of  the  Good  Templar  Grand 
Lodge,  states  : — 

“ A very  great  change  in  public  opinion  has  taken  place  in 
“ recent  years.  A call  has  gone  forth  in  favour  of  State-wide 
“ Prohibition.  In  this  call  is  voiced  the  opinions  of  many  thou- 
“ sands  of  our  best  citizens.  We  are  glad  that  so  few  towns 
“ vote  in  favour  of  the  liquor  traffic,  but  we  deplore  the  fact  that 
‘ ‘ under  the  present  system  these  few  towns  can  supply  the  whole 
“ State  with  drink.  We  believe  that  a Prohibition  law  is  the 
“ only  cure  for  the  evils  of  the  liquor  traffic.  ” 

The  total  population  was  430,372,  of  whom  238,536  were 
living  in  Prohibition  areas. 


CHAPTER  VI 


The  Eastern  States 


“ All  men  and  women  who  want  results  more  than  they  want  to  have  th^ir 
own  way  will  seek  intellig’ent  co-operation  with  every  individual  and  organ- 
isation to  finish  in  the  next  twenty  years  the  job  begun  a hundred  years  ago 
(viz.,  to  destroy  the  liquor  traffic).  Every  church  that  is  worth  attending  and 
every  preacher  that  is  worth  hearing  will  from  this  time  fling  themselves 
with  a holy  abandon  into  this  crusade.  Our  religion  demands  that  every 
child  should  have  a fair  chance  for  citizenship  in  the  coming  kingdom.  Our 
patriotism  demands  a saloonless  country  and  a ‘ stainless  flag.’  ” 

Rev.  P.  A,  Baker,  D.D.,  General  Supt.  National  Anti-iialoon  League  (1913). 


In  some  of  the  Eastern  States  great  difficulties  have  had 
to  be  met  in  the  spread  of  Temperance  principles  and  in  securing 
any  prohibitory  legislation.  New  York,  New  Jersey  and  Penn- 
sylvania have  been  notoriously  under  the  heel  of  the  liquor  influ- 
ence. Politicians  of  all  parties  seldom  mention  the  Temperance 
issues  or  the  terrible  evils  of  alcoholism.  In  the  District  of 
Columbia,  Delaware  and  Maryland,  considerable  progress  has 
been  made. 

District  of  Columbia. — This  District,  which  includes  the 
City  of  Washington,  the  Capital  of  the  United  States,  is  under 
the  direct  control  of  the  Federal  Government.  The  people  of  this 
district  have  no  direct  control  or  vote  over  any  matter  whatever. 
Congress  decides  the  law  and  appoints  three  Commissioners  to 
carry  it  out.  Many  laws  dealing  with  the  liquor  traffic  have  been 
passed,  the  latest  being  the  District  of  Columbia  Liquor  Law, 
adopted  in  June,  1913.  By  this  new  law  all  liquor  saloons  are 
to  be  closed  during  the  whole  of  Sunday ; no  saloons  are  to  be 
any  longer  permitted  to  exist  except  in  the  business  portion  of  the 
city ; over  200  saloons  in  the  residential  portion  of  the  city  are 
stated  to  be  compelled  to  close  under  this  section.  The  measure 
also  forbids  any  liquor  saloon  being  opened  or  continued  within 
1,000  feet  of  the  Marine  Barracks,  the  War  College,  the 
Engineer  Barracks,  or  the  Navy  Yard.  Liquor  saloons  are  now 
prohibited  within  400  feet  of  any  church  or  educational  institu- 
tion, or  on  any  block  of  buildings  of  which  less  than  50  per  cent, 
of  the  frontage  is  devoted  to  business  purposes.  The  licence  fee 
has  also  been  increased  by  nearly  50  per  cent.  A provision  in 


280 


the  measure  that  no  licence  shall  be  granted  to  sell  any  intoxi- 
cating liquors  in  the  waiting-rooms  of  a railway  station  has  been 
construed  to  mean  that  the  liquor  bar  at  the  great  Union  Railway 
Station  will  have  to  close.  This  is  the  first  time  Congress  has 
prohibited  the  selling  of  liquors  in  connection  with  the  American 
Railways.  The  total  population  was  331,069,  of  whom  59,079 
were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

The  New  York  Evening  Post  special  correspondent  at  Wash- 
ington, dealing  with  this  measure,  writes  : — 

“ The  Courts  that  pass  upon  the  constitutionality  of  the 
“ liquor  law,  which  now  operates  in  Washington,  probably  will 
“ decide  incidentally  a much  more  important  and  radical  ques- 
“ tion,  namely,  whether  the  national  capital  shall  become  Pro- 
“ hibition  territory,  for  a general  impression  prevails  here  that 
" the  next  time  Congress  acts  upon  the  liquor  question  as  effect- 
“ ing  the  District  of  Columbia,  in  all  probability  it  will  be  to 
“ make  the  district  dry.” 

Delaware. — The  State  Legislature  in  1907  resolved  that  a 
plebiscite  for  or  against  the  liquor  traffic  should  be  taken  through- 
out the  State.  The  voting  took  place  on  November  5th,  1907, 
and  resulted  in  two  counties  out  of  the  three  counties  into  which 
the  State  is  divided  declaring  by  a majority  of  2,556  in  favour 
of  Prohibition,  and  the  whole  of  the  liquor  saloons  in  these 
portions  of  the  State  were  closed.  Newcastle  County,  contain- 
ing the  city  of  Wilmington,  gave  a majority  in  favour  of  retain- 
ing the  saloons.  Efforts  are  being  put  forth  to  have  another  vote 
in  this  county,  but  to  secure  this  another  Act  will  have  to  be 
secured  from  the  Legislature.  The  total  population  of  the  State 
on  the  last  census  was  202,322,  of  whom  79,134  were  living  in 
the  Prohibition  areas.  During  1912  additional  legislation  was 
passed  against  the  traffic  and  efforts  are  being  put  forth  to  pre- 
vent the  shipping  of  liquor  from  licence  to  no-licence  territory. 

^^ARYLA^’D.— While  there  is  a general  law  dealing  with  the 
liquor  traffic,  the  State  Legislature  has  repeatedly  passed  special 
legislation  in  reference  to  the  conduct  of  the  liquor  traffic  in  the 
various  counties,  so  that  there  are  a number  of  laws  dealing  with 
the  sale  of  liquor  in  this  State.  Some  of  the  counties  have  entire 
Prohibition  by  State  law,  while  others  by  special  option  laws 
have  been  able  to  veto  the  traffic.  As  a result  of  these  special 
contests  ten  out  of  the  24  counties  have  secured  Prohibition,  three 
other  counties  have  driven  the  traffic  out,  except  at  one  place. 
The  liquor  laws  of  the  State  being  so  diversified,  a great  agitation 
has  been  carried  on  for  several  years  in  favour  of  a uniform 
Local  Option  Law  for  the  whole  State.  In  190S  the  measure  was 
defeated  in  the  House  of  Representatives  by  13  votes;  in  1910 


281 


it  was  again  defeated  by  only  two  votes.  In  1912  the  Local 
Optionists  won  a great  victory  at  the  State  Elections,  and  the 
measure  passed  the  House  by  large  majorities,  only,  however, 
to  be  defeated  in  the  Senate  by  one  vote.  The  total  population 
of  the  State  was  1,295,346,  of  whom  over  450,000  were  living  in 
Prohibition  areas. 

New  Jersey. — This  State  has  no  Local  Option  law  and  is 
reported  to  have  twice  as  many  liquor  saloons  as  are  in  the  whole 
of  the  fourteen  Southern  States.  About  one  hundred  munici- 
palities are  without  liquor  saloons,  some  by  local  ordinances, 
others  by  charters  or  deeds  which  prohibit  the  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors.  The  commission  government  adopted  by  the 
Legislature  permits  a certain  amount  of  home  rule  in  communities 
putting  this  law  into  force.  The  State  law  prohibits  all  minors 
under  21  years  of  age  from  being  served  with  liquor  either  for 
themselves  or  for  others,  and  no  person  under  21  years  of  age 
is  permitted  to  frequent  liquor  saloons.  Sunday  Closing  was 
adopted  in  1907.  A Local  Option  measure  was  defeated  in  the 
Legislature  of  1913.  The  total  population  was  2,537,167,  of  whom 
only  137,749  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

New  York. — This  State  has  for  many  years  been  considered 
one  of  the  chief  preserves  of  the  liquor  traffic,  yet  during  the  last 
two  or  three  years  some  headway  has  been  made  by  the  Temper- 
ance reformers.  Of  the  933  townships  in  the  State,  412  are 
under  no-licence,  and  521  are  under  licence.  An  effort  was  made 
in  the  1911  Legislature  to  kill  all  the  Temperance  measures  on 
the  statute  book,  no  less  than  68  pro-liquor  Bills  being  intro- 
duced only  five  however  were  passed,  making  very  little  change 
in  the  laws.  The  Temperance  party  are  endeavouring  to  secure 
local  option  laws  for  the  forty  cities  of  the  third  class,  and  for 
the  counties  that  have  no  cities,  there  being  twenty-five  of 
these.  A measure  prohibiting  the  shipment  of  liquors  into 
prohibition  territory  is  being  largely  supported.  The  following 
question  is  now  submitted  to  all  candidates  for  offices  which  have 
to  do  with  the  enforcement  of  the  liquor  laws  : “Are  you  willing 
to  announce  yourself  as  in  accord  with  the  crystallised  public 
sentiment  which  seeks  the  destruction  of  the  liquor  traffic?  ” 
Since  1897  there  has  been  a total  decreasb  of  4,957  liquor 
licences  issued  in  the  State.  For  the  first  time  in  fifty  years  the 
question  of  the  Prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  was  brought 
before  the  State  Legislature,  and  although  Senator  Gates  was 
defeated  the  prospects  for  some  advance  are  reported  to  be  much 
brighter  than  for  many  years.  The  total  population  of  the  State 
was  9,185,494,  of  whom  646,710  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 


282 


Pennsylvania.- — For  many  years  Pennsylvania  has  been 
noted  for  its  high  licence  and  so-called  model  licence  laws.  Those 
however  familiar  with  the  working  of  these  laws  know  that  they 
are  about  the  worst  that  could  have  been  adopted  from  the  stand- 
point of  Temperance  reform.  In  1911  for  the  first  time  in  the 
history  of  the  State,  every  member  of  the  legislature  answered 
the  questions  submitted  to  them  by  the  Temperance  party,  a 
large  majority  answering  favourably.  Legislation  proposed 
by  the  liquor  party  was  defeated  although  no  Tem- 
perance measure  was  adopted.  The  granting  of  licences  is 
in  the  hands  of  Quarter  Session,  which  appears  to  have  almost 
unlimited  power  so  far  as  the  liquor  traffic  is  concerned.  By 
securing  the  election  of  Judges  no  less  than  310  of  the  922  muni- 
cipalities have  secured  Prohibition.  Of  the  1,565  townships  864 
have  no  saloons.  The  total  population  of  the  State  was  7,665,1 1 1 
of  whom  1,379,720  are  living  in  Prohibition  areas.  Public  opin- 
ion in  favour  of  the  direct  popular  veto  is  reported  to  be  growing. 
Bills  for  the  submission  of  a prohibitory  constitutional  amend- 
ment and  for  local  option  were  before  the  1912  Legislature  and 
although  defeated  received  a large  amount  of  support. 

The  Rev.  Homer  W.  Tope,  D.D.,  writing  from  Phila- 
delphia, August  14th,  1913,  states: — 

“ Temperance  sentiment  is  steadily  growing  in  this  State, 
“ and  we  will  be  in  a position  to  make  a great  fight  for  our 
“ cause  at  the  primaries  in  the  spring  of  1914  and  at  the  ensuing 
“ election.  The  removal  of  the  headquarters  of  the  Pennsylvania 
“ .\nti-Saloon  League  from  Harrisburg  to  Philadelphia  means 
“ big  things  for  the  cause  of  Local  Option.  It  will  give  a better 
“ opportunity  to  win  legislative  votes  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania, 
“ where  we  most  need  them.  West  of  the  Suscuehanna  River 
“ we  have  59  votes  for  us  and  39  against,  but  east  of  the  river 
‘ ‘ we  have  82  opposed  to  Local  Option  and  2 5 who  favour  it. 

“ If  Pennsylvania  had  a county  option  law,  30  out  of  the  43 
“counties  west  of  the  Sescuehanna  would  go  ‘dr}',’  and  we 
“ would  have  a fighting  chance  in  eight  others.  It  is  absurd  to 
“ refuse  to  give  the  people  an  opportunity  to  decide  whether  they 
“ shall  have  saloons  or  not.  I believe  that  the  next  legislature 
“ will  give  Pennsylvania  local  Prohibition  by  counties.’’ 


CHAPTER  VII 


The  Middle  States 


“ It  is  a singular  coincidence  that  the  cry  ‘ Prohibition  does  not  prohibit ' 
comes.mainly  and  loudly  from  the  liquor  men  themselves.  Here  I join  issue 
and  make  positive  denial.  This  has  not  been  the  history  of  Prohibition. 
True,  individuals  and  newspapers  have  repeatedly  so  stated  ; but  tacts  and 
figures  disprove  the  bald  assertion.  Prohibitory  laws,  in  their  effective 
administration,  will  compare  favourably  with  any  criminal  statutes  of  the 
country.  Violations,  of  course,  occur  ; but  the  criminal  records  reveal  the 
same  sad  fact  as  to  other  laws.  The  Maine  and  Kansas  laws  have  been 
ridiculed  and  decried  as  shams  and  failures  ; but  these  statements  have  come 
from  the  enemy.  Statistics  show  that  not  one-tenth  as  much  liquor,  propor- 
tionally, is  consumed  in  Maine  as  there  was  sixty  years  ag'O.  Then  over  two 
gallons  of  rum  were  manufactured  in  the  State  to  each  individual,  to-day 
there  is  not  a brewery  or  distillery  w'ithin  her  borders.  The  open  dram 
shop  is  the  door  through  which  thousands  enter  prison  life.  To  arrest  this 
organised  foe  of  human  life,  property  and  character,  we  must  suppress  the 
liquor  traffic  by  the  strong  arm  of  the  law.’ 

Bishop  C.  B.  Galloway,  D.D.,  Kansas  ( 1912 ). 


In  the  Middle  States  public  sentiment  has  expressed  itself 
in  unmistakable  tones  against  the  liquor  traffic.  In  the  whole  of 
these  States  much  territory  is  being  won  every  year  for  Pro- 
hibition. Kansas  and  North  Dakota  maintain  State-wide 
Prohibition  in  face  of  the  most  determined  opposition  on  the 
part  of  liquordom.  Local  Option  in  each  of  the  other  States  is 
rapidly  exterminating  the  liquor  saloon,  and  preparing  the 
territory  for  State  and  National  Prohibition. 

Illinois. — Under  the  provisions  of  the  Illinois  Local  Option 
Law,  by  which  townships,  villages  and  cities  can  veto  the  traffic, 
about  two-thirds  of  the  State  territory  is  under  no-licence.  A 
County  Option  Bill  is  before  the  Legislature,  by  which  it  is 
hoped  to  drive  the  liquor  traffic  from  larger  areas  of  the  State. 
In  the  great  city  of  Chicago  over  500,000  of  the  population  are 
living  in  Prohibition  areas,  and  in  igio  over  78,000  voters  of  the 
city  demanded  a poll  on  the  liquor  question,  but  on  a technical 
point  the  brewers  succeeded  in  getting  the  High  Court  to  set 
the  petition  aside.  In  igii  the  State  Legislature  adopted  three 
prohibitory  laws,  viz.,  ist,  prohibiting  drinking  on  railroad  trains 
or  inter-urban  cars  ; 2nd,  prohibiting  liquor  saloons  within  a zone 
of  two-thirds  of  a mile  in  radius  around  the  Sailors’  and  Soldiers’ 
Home  at  Quincy ; and  3rd,  prohibits  the  sale,  use,  or  giving 


284 


away  of  any  intoxicating  liquors  in  any  State  park.  In  addition 
to  this  the  liquor  party  were  beaten  in  their  attempt  to  repeal 
the  township  Local  Option  law.  The  total  population  of  the 
State  was  5,638,591,  of  whom  over  1,900,000  are  living  in 
Prohibition  areas. 

Indiana. — By  means  of  the  Local  Option  law  the  State  of 
Indiana  is  fast  clearing  the  liquor  traffic  from  its  whole  terri- 
tory. There  are  94  counties  in  the  State  and  27  have  voted 
no-licence.  Of  360  incorporated  towns,  300  have  voted  no- 
licence, and  of  1,015  townships  no  less  than  825  have  voted  no- 
licence. The  total  population  of  the  State  was  2,700,876,  of 
whom  1,755,569  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Iowa. — Statutory  Prohibition  has  been  the  law  of  this  State 
since  1884,  but  was  nullified  by  what  is  called  the  “ Mulct  ” 
law,  passed  in  1894.  This  law  permits  localities  to  have  saloons 
when  a majority  of  the  voters  so  determine.  A new  law  w’as 
adopted  in  1911  prohibiting  any  place  having  more  than  one 
saloon  for  each  1,000  inhabitants.  By  this  law  over  150  saloons 
were  closed.  There  are  99  counties  in  the  State  and  76  are 
reported  to  be  free  from  the  liquor  traffic,  and  this  is  also  true 
of  703  of  the  cities  and  towms.  The  total  population  w'as 
2,224,771,  of  whom  1,718,752  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Kansas. — After  one  of  the  most  memorable  liquor  fights  on 
record,  Kansas,  in  1880,  voted  in  favour  of  Constitutional  Pro- 
hibition. The  vote  was:  For  Prohibition,  92,302;  against, 
84,304;  a majority  for  Prohibition  of  7,998.  Since  that  date 
Prohibition  has  been  the  law  of  the  State  and  has  proved  a great 
success.  Under  the  original  law  intoxicating  liquors  could  be 
sold  for  medical,  scientific  and  mechanical  purposes,  but  owing 
to  the  abuse  of  this  section,  the  Legislature  in  1909  passed  a law 
eliminating  these  exceptions.  The  law  w-as  contested  in  the 
Higher  Courts,  but  held  to  be  constitutional.  The  celebrated 
wealthy,  aristocratic  Topeka  Club  from  the  first  adopted  what 
they  termed  the  locker  system  of  distributing  intoxicating 
liquors.  No  sales  were  made;  liquor  was  put  into  a locker  and 
the  members  met  and  drank  what  they  called  their  own  liquor. 
After  long  process  of  law,  the  Supreme  Court  held  this  action 
on  the  part  of  the  members  to  be  illegal,  and  the  club  to  be  a 
nuisance,  thus  stopping  the  liquor  traffic  in  every  club  in  the 
State.  It  is  declared  by  the  Governor  and  other  officials  that 
there  is  not  an  open  saloon  in  the  State,  that  the  law  is  well 
enforced,  and  that  public  sentiment  in  favour  of  the  law  is 
stronger  than  ever  before.  In  July,  1911,  53  county  gaols 
were  empty,  and  some  of  the  counties  have  not  called  a jury 
for  over  ten  3’ears,  there  not  having  been  a criminal  case  to  trv. 


285 


Out  of  105  counties  there  was  not  an  inebriate  In  g6.  Thirty- 
eight  of  the  poor-farms  have  no  inmates,  and  there  is  only  one 
pauper  to  every  three  thousand  of  the  population.  There  was 
a population  of  1,690,949,  all  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Michigan. — In  1908  there  was  only  one  county  in  the  State 
which  had  voted  in  favour  of  no-licence,  but  between  that  date 
and  1913  the  number  had  increased  to  thirty-five.  During  these 
five  years  no  less  than  1,200  liquor  saloons  and  twelve  breweries 
have  been  closed  by  the  popular  vote.  A great  effort  is  now 
being  made  to  have  a vote  on  State-wide  Prohibition,  which  it 
is  expected  will  be  taken  by  the  Legislature  in  1914.  The  total 
population  was  2,810,173,  whom  750,000  are  living  in  Pro- 
hibition areas. 

Minnesota. — By  means  of  the  Local  Option  law  of  this 
State  about  two-thirds  of  the  townships  are  without  liquor 
saloons,  and  the  number  is  increasing  with  every  contest. 
Nearly  half  the  villages  and  cities  that  are  permitted  to  vote 
have  declared  for  Prohibition.  Five  whole  counties  have  but 
one  saloon  town  in  each,  and  eight  other  counties  have  but  two 
saloon  towns  in  each.  At  the  last  State  elections  a change  of 
only  218  votes  out  of  more  than  300,000  would  have  elected  a 
County  Option  Senate.  The  total  population  was  2,075.708,  of 
whom  1,060,000  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Missouri. — Under  the  Local  Option  law  a vote  is  permitted 
once  in  every  four  years  in  each  county,  and  every  city  with 
a population  of  more  than  2,500.  There  are  1 14  counties  and  the 
city  of  St.  Louis.  Of  these,  64  have  vetoed  the  liquor  saloons, 
and  in  about  20  of  the  other  counties  saloons  are  only  permitted 
in  the  chief  city.  Nearly  every  city  having  denominational 
colleges  and  normal  schools,  together  with  Columbia,  the  seat 
of  the  State  University,  have  prohibited  the  opening  of  liquor 
saloons.  The  total  population  was  3,293,335,  of  whom 
1,210,860  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Nebraska. — In  addition  to  a Local  Option  law,  by  means 
of  which  31  counties  out  of  go  have  voted  no-llcence,  the  Legisla- 
ture passed  in  1909  a Daylight  Sale  Act,  by  which  all  places  for 
the  sale  of  alcoholic  liquors  must  close  at  8 p.m.  and  not  open 
before  7 a.m.  The  total  population  was  1,192,214,  of  whom 
595,000  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

North  Dakota. — When  North  Dakota  was  admitted  to 
the  Union,  a popular  vote  was  taken  on  the  liquor  question, 
when  there  voted  for  Prohibition  18,551,  and  against  17,392; 
majority  for,  1,159.  The  first  Legislature  passed  a strong  law 
for  the  enforcement  of  Prohibition,  which  has  been  strengthened 


286 


as  occasions  have  arisen.  The  law  is  well  enforced,  and  public 
opinion  is  declared  to  be  strongly  in  its  favour.  The  total  popu- 
lation was  577,056,  all  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Ohio. — A number  of  laws,  including  county  and  town  Local 
Option,  have  been  passed  by  the  State  Legislature.  Out  of  88 
counties  45  have  vetoed  the  liquor  traffic,  and  seven-eighths  of 
the  State  territory  is  stated  to  be  without  saloons.  Of  80  cities 
with  a population  of  5,000  and  upward,  26  have  voted  no-licence. 
The  tied  house  system,  that  is  the  system  of  brewery-owned 
saloons,  is  prohibited  by  State  law.  The  total  population  was 
4,767,121,  of  whom  over  2,300,000  were  living  in  Prohibition 
areas. 

South  Dakota. — By  far  the  larger  part  of  the  State  and 
population  are  under  Prohibition  by  means  of  the  Local  Option 
law.  All  unorganised  counties  and  the  Indian  Reser\'ations  are 
under  Prohibition.  The  State  Legislature  have  also  passed  an 
Anti-Treating  Law,  a Daylight  Saloon  Law,  ,and  a measure 
forbidding  drinking  on  railroad  trains.  The  total  population 
was  583,888,  of  whom  over  400,000  are  stated  to  be  living  in 
Prohibition  areas. 

Wisconsin.- — The  law  of  Wisconsin  provides  for  a yearly 
vote  on  the  liquor  question,  and  in  800  towns  the  liquor  traffic 
has  been  suppressed  by  the  popular  vote.  Many  of  these  places 
are  only  small,  but  are  continually  growing,  and  to  be  free  from 
the  liquor  saloons  is  a great  gain  tO'  their  prosperity.  The  liquor 
interest  of  Milwaukee  has  been  largely  used  to  influence  the 
State  in  favour  of  liquor.  The  Temperance  party  are,  however, 
continually  gaining  ground.  In  1912  the  State  Legislature 
passed  Bills  forbidding  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  at  public 
auctions;  also  the  drinking  of  liquors  in  any  smoking  car, 
parlour,  or  day  coach  of  any  railroad  train.  Another  law  adopted 
prohibits  intoxicated  passengers  being  admitted  on  steamers, 
railroad  or  inter-urban  cars.  There  is  a Prohibition  zone  around 
the  State  University  at  Madison  of  3,200  feet,  which  it  is  pro- 
posed to  extend  to  five  miles.  The  total  population  was  2,333,860, 
of  whom  586,184  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 


CHAPTER  VTII 


The  Southern  States 


“ The  Army  War  Colleg-e  at  Washing-ton  recently  made  an  investigation 
of  the  destructiveness  of  -war.  Taking  all  the  -wars  of  the  -world,  from  the 
Russo-Japanese  War  back  to  500  B.C.,  the  War  College  found  that  the  total 
number  of  killed  and  -wounded  in  battle  amounted  to  about  2,800,000,  of  which 
it  is  estimated  that  about  800,000  were  killed  and  2,000,000  wounded.  The 
comparative  figures  show  the  appalling  fact  that  alcohol  is  killing  off  as  man}- 
Americans  every  two  years  as  all  the  wars  of  the  world  have  killed  in  battle 
in  2,300  years.  It  is  not  a day  too  soon  to  grapple  with  this  foe.  We  must 
assemble  all  the  Prohibition  and  Temperance  forces  of  America,  develop  a 
strong  organisation,  and  be  able  to  strike  with  our  whole  combined  power  to 
drive  the  curse  of  the  liquor  traffic  from  our  shores.” 

Hon.  Richynond  P.  Hobson,  Member  of  Congress  for  Alabama  (1913). 


The  liquor  traffickers  of  the  Southern  States  of  America  are 
fighting  for  their  very  existence.  Dr.  F.  C.  Inglehart,  in  the 
American  Review  of  Reviews  for  May,  igio,  said  : — 

“ About  eighteen  of  the  twenty  million  of  the  people  in  the 
“ Southern  States  have  already  outlawed  the  liquor  saloon,  . . . 
“ and  it  looks  as  though,  within  the  coming  five  years,  every 
“ State  in  that  section  will  vote  the  saloons  out  of  existence.” 

Alabama. — The  State  Legislature  in  igii  passed  a Local 
Option  law  with  the  county  as  the  unit,  and  out  of  the  6g  counties 
in  the  State  5g  have  vetoed  the  liquor  saloons  by  popular  vote. 
Where  the  liquor  traffic  is  permitted  there  is  to  be  only  one  saloon 
for  each  3,000  inhabitants.  At  the  present  time  there  is  a great 
demand  for  State-wide  Prohibition,  and  it  is  fully  expected  that 
within  two  years  a vote  will  be  taken  on  this  question.  The  total 
population  was  2,i38,og3,  of  whom  i,g24,284  were  living  in 
Prohibition  areas. 

Arkansas. — In  the  State  elections  in  igio  the  aggregate 
vote,  under  the  Local  Option  law,  showed  a net  majority  of 
23,262  against  the  liquor  traffic,  and  out  of  the  yg  counties  in 
the  State  67  have  suppressed  the  liquor  saloons.  There  are 
only  28  towns  in  the  State  in  which  liquor  is  sold.  In  igi2  an 
effort  was  made  to  carry  State-wide  Prohibition.  The  negroes 
of  this  State  have  a vote,  which  it  is  stated  they  seldom  exer- 
cise. A proposal  to  disenfranchise  them  brought  them  to-  the  poll 
in  thousands.  The  liquor  party  are  reported  to  have  made  a 
compact  with  their  leaders  by  which  the  liquor  men  promised  to 


2SS 


vote  against  disenfranchisement  on  condition  that  the  negroes 
voted  against  Prohibition.  There  is  little  wonder  that  both 
proposals  were  defeated.  The  vote  on  the  liquor  question  was 
as  follows: — For  Prohibition,  69,390;  against,  85,358;  majority 
against,  15,968.  The  total  population  of  the  State  was 
^>574>449>  of  whom  no  less  than  1,435,000  were  living  in  Pro- 
hibition areas. 

Florida. — ^The  Local  Option  law  of  this  State  has  enabled 
the  people  to  clear  the  liquor  saloons  out  of  every  county  except 
eight,  there  being  38  counties  for  no-licence  and  eight  for  licence. 
Here  again  it  is  stated  that  a compact  between  the  liquor  party 
and  the  negroes  brought  about  the  defeat  of  a Prohibition  con- 
test in  1910  by  a majority  of  4,674.  There  are  only  355  saloons 
left  in  the  whole  State,  and  only  14  towns  in  which  they  are 
permitted.  The  population  of  the  State  was  752,619,  of  whom 
658,271  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Georgia. — This  was  the  first  Southern  State  to  adopt  State- 
wide Prohibition.  Previous  to  this,  by  means  of  the  Local 
Option  Law,  the  people  had  voted  the  liquor  saloons  from  125 
counties  out  of  a total  of  146.  Prohibition  went  into  effect  on 
January  ist,  1908,  and  has  remained  in  force  ever  since.  A 
number  of  “ near  beer  ” saloons  have  been  established,  which 
have  been  the  means  of  enabling  the  liquor  party  to  gravely  vio- 
late the  law.  Even  under  these  conditions  the  arrests  for  crime 
and  drunkenness  show  a great  decrease.  The  returns  for  the  city 
of  Atlanta,  with  a population  of  154,839,  are  as  follows  : — Total 
number  of  arrests  in  1907,  the  last  year  of  licence,  24,884.  After 
three  years  of  Prohibition  these  arrests  had  fallen  in  1911  to 
16,707.  For  drunkenness  the  arrests  in  1907  were  6,508,  and 
in  1911  they  were  2,636.  The  total  population  of  the  State  was 
2,609,121,  all  living  under  the  Prohibition  law. 

Kentucky. — By  Local  Option  the  State  has  been  largely 
cleared  of  the  liquor  traffic.  Out  of  120  counties  no  less  than  96 
are  without  liquor  saloons.  Tlie  other  counties  have  only  one, 
two,  or  at  the  most  three  towns  where  licences  are  issued.  In 
only  four  counties  have  the  distillers  held  their  own.  Liquor 
citadels  which  a few  years  since  appeared  to  be  impregnable 
have  been  stormed  and  captured  for  Prohibition.  In  1912  the 
State  Legislature  passed  a uniform  County  Option  law,  and 
several  good  enforcement  laws  were  also  adopted.  The  total 
population  of  the  State  was  2,289,905,  of  whom  1,721,000  were 
living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Louisi.ANA. — About  half  of  the  State  is  under  Prohibition 
by  Local  Option.  In  the  northern  part  of  the  State  the  law  is 


289 


reported  to  be  well  enforced,  but  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans  and 
the  south  the  liquor  traffic  is  able  at  present  to  defeat  every  effort 
to  dislodge  them.  Sunday  Closing,  and  other  laws  passed  to 
regulate  the  traffic,  are  reported  to  be  openly  violated.  The 
State  is  divided  into  59  parishes,  and  in  30  of  these  no-licence 
has  been  adopted.  The  total  population  was  1,656,388,  of  whom 
850,000  are  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Mississippi. — Statutory  Prohibition  went  into  effect  in  this 
State  on  January  ist,  1909,  and  is  still  in  force..  A Bill  to 
submit  the  question  to  a popular  vote  to  place  Prohibition  in  the 
Constitution,  was  defeated  in  the  Legislature  by  one  vote.  It 
is  a penal  offence  to  solicit  orders  for  liquor;  to  order  liquor  for 
another ; or  to  permit  liquor  to  be  stored  in  any  buildings.  The 
law  is  reported  to  be  well  enforced  and  a great  success.  The 
total  population  was  1,797,114,  all  living  under  Prohibition. 

North  Carolin.a. — On  May  26th,  1908,  the  people  of  North 
Carolina  declared  in  favour  of  Prohibition,  the  vote  being  as 
follows: — For  Prohibition,  113,612;  against,  69,416;  majority 
for,  44,196;  and  the  State  Legislature  forthwith  passed  a Pro- 
hibition law  which  went  into  effect  on  January  ist,  1909.  A 
large  number  of  “near  beer’’  saloons  were  soon  opened  to  vio- 
late the  law,  but  to  defeat  the  operations  of  the  liquor  party  the 
State  Legislature  passed  a new  law  defining  intoxicating  liquors 
to  mean  “all  liquors  or  mixtures  thereof,  by  whatever  name 
called,  that  will  produce  intoxication,”  and  effectively  killed  the 
“near  beer”  saloons.  The  law  of  this  State  prohibits  the  manu- 
facture and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  There  was  a total 
population  of  2,206,287,  ^11  living  under  Prohibition. 

Oklahoma. — In  the  fight  for  Statehood,  Congress  decided 
that  the  Indian  Territory  should  remain  Prohibition  for  21 
years,  and  that  the  people  of  the  State  should  decide  for  them- 
selves if  the  State  should  be  Prohibition  or  not.  On  October 
19th,  1907,  the  voting  was  as  follows  : — For  Prohibition, 

130,524;  against,  112,244;  majority  in  favour,  18,280.  An 
attempt  to  repeal  the  law  in  1910  was  defeated  by  a majority  of 
over  30,000.  The  total  population  of  the  State  was  1,657,155, 
all  living  under  Prohibition. 

South  Carolina. — The  notorious  Dispensary  System, 
framed  upon  the  Gothenburg  liquor  monopoly,  was  in  igo6 
abolished  as  a State  institution.  Its  wmrking  was  declared  to 
be  “ checkered  with  fraud  and  scandal,  and  marked  by  agitation 
so  violent  that  it  more  than  once  threatened  to  break  out  into 
civil  war.”  Its  crimes  were  almost  countless,  and  drunkenness 
and  debauchery  of  the  vilest  character  followed  the  setting  up 


T 


290 


of  every  Dispensary.  Out  of  42  counties  21  are  now  free  from 
saloons.  The  total  population  was  1,515,400,  of  w’hom  1,100,000 
are  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Tennessee. — Statutory  Prohibition  was  adopted  in  1909, 
and  the  prohibition  of  the  manufacture  of  intoxicating  liquors  in 
1910.  The  law  is  well  enforced.  The  Democratic  party  in  1912 
advocated  the  repeal  of  the  law,  but  were  so  utterly  defeated 
that  it  is  predicted  that  no  political  party  will  for  many  years 
attempt  this  again.  The  total  population  of  the  State  was 
2,184,789,  all  living  under  Prohibition. 

Texas. — The  Local  Option  of  the  State  gives  power  to 
prohibit  either  in  the  city  or  county.  Of  the  249  counties,  173 
have  voted  no-licence.  More  than  80  per  cent,  of  the  territory 
of  the  State  is  under  Prohibition.  A prohibition  proposal  was 
submitted  to  the  people  in  1911,  and  only  defeated  by  a majority 
of  7,000  in  a poll  of  466,000.  It  is  stated  that  the  result  in  the 
Prohibition  counties  is  a complete  demonstration  that  Prohibition 
does  prohibit,  and  the  result  in  the  saloon  counties  that  regula- 
tion does  not  regulate.  The  total  population  of  the  State  w'as 
3,896,542,  of  whom  no  less  than  3,409,476  were  living  in  Pro- 
hibition areas. 

VIRGINIA. — There  are  100  counties  in  Virginia,  and  85  have 
no-licence  through  the  State  Local  Option  law.  In  1912  a Bill 
passed  the  House  in  favour  of  taking  a vote  on  State-wide  Pro- 
hibition, but  was  defeated  in  the  Senate  by  eight  votes.  The 
total  population  of  the  State  was  2,061,612,  of  w'hom  1,500,000 
are  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

West  Virginia. — Under  Local  Option,  38  out  of  55  counties 
vetoed  the  liquor  traffic,  and  in  1912  a popular  vote  was  taken 
which  resulted  as  follows: — For  Prohibition,  163,092;  against, 
71,750;  majority  in  favour,  91,342.  State-w'ide  Prohibition  goes 
into  force  on  January  ist,  1914.  The  total  population  of  the 
State  was  1,221,119,  and  under  Local  Option  889,196  were  living 
in  Prohibition  areas. 


CHAPTER  IX 


The  Western  States 

“ Restriction  and  regulation  by  licence  will  neither  restrict  nor  regulate. 
Let  it  be  printed  large  and  sounded  out  far  and  wide.  The  whole  license 
system,  in  the  very  nature  of  the  case,  is  in  the  interest  of  the  liquor  business, 
with  all  its  brutalities  and  immoralities.  That  is  why  the  brewers  and 
saloonists  are  for  it.  Why  else  should  they  be?  It  is  incurably  bad.  On 
the  face  of  it,  there  is  no  way  to  help  morality  by  licensing  immoral  institu- 
tions. So-called  restriction  and  regulation  have  been  tried  in  America  for 
many  years,  t Through  these  weary,  bloody  years,  a demonstration  has 
been  • wrought  as  broad  as  our  national  life.  There  is  no  cause  for  any 
intelligent  man  or  woman  being  deceived.  With  sensible  people  ail 
arguments  cease  when  demonstrations  are  complete.  The  sane,  safe  and 
statesman-like  policy  in  government,  as  in  all  things  else,  is  to  stand  on 
principles  of  righteousness.  A liquor  saloon  is  bad,  immoral,  dangerous. 
Government,  to  stand,  must  be  founded  on  morals,  and  therefore  the  liquor 
traffic  and  all  other  vice  is  to  be  prohibited.” 

Rev  J.  B.  Gambrell,  D.D  Dallas  (1912). 


With  the  solitary  exception  of  Nevada,  each  of  the  Western 
States  have  been  active  in  the  prohibitory  movement,  and  much 
territory  has  been  won  from  the  liquor  traffic.  Several  attempts 
have  been  made  to  secure  State-wide  Prohibition,  but  without 
success.  Local  Option  has,  however,  been  seeured,  except  in 
Nevada. 

Arizona. — Temperance  is  not  one  of  the  leading  character- 
istics of  those  who  have  gone  to  Arizona  in  search  of  gold, 
silver,  copper,  and  other  minerals,  yet  some  headway  has  been 
made  under  the  most  difficult  circumstances.  Two  counties  and 
three  municipalities  have  secured  no-licence  by  means  of  the 
Local  Option  law.  Prohibition  is  also  in  force  on  all  the  Indian 
Reservations  in  the  State.  The  total  population  of  the  State  was 
204,354,  of  whom  45,000  were  living"  in  Prohibition  areas. 

California. — The  State  Legislature  in  1911  adopted  a 
general  Local  Option  law  which  has  enabled  the  people  to  close 
nearly  1,000  liquor  saloons  and  to  place  many  parts  of  the  State 
under  Prohibition.  Eight  supervisoral  districts,  14  incorporated 
cities,  and  682  towns  have  adopted  no-licence.  All  saloons  are 
now  prohibited  within  one  and  a half  miles  of  Stanford  Uni- 
versity, and  within  three  miles  of  the  State  Farm  and  Agricul- 
tural College  at  Davis.  The  total  population  of  the  State  was 
2,377,549,  of  whom  fully  600,000  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 


292 


Colorado. — The  Local  Option  law  of  the  State  applies  to 
municipalities  and  wards  of  cities.  Great  efforts  have  been  made 
of  late  to  repeal  this  law,  but  without  success.  An  effort  to 
secure  State-wide  Prohibition  was  defeated  in  igii,  but  during; 
the  last  three  years  many  places  have  adopted  no-licence,  and 
over  300  liquor  saloons  have  therefore  had  to  close.  Out  of  61 
counties,  13  have  no  saloons,  and  80  cities  and  towns  have 
vetoed  the  liquor  traffic.  Tlie  total  population  of  the  State  was 
799,024,  of  whom  433,602  were  living-  in  Prohibition  areas. 

IrjAHO. — Lhider  the  County  Option  law,  passed  by  the  State 
Legislature  in  1909,  20  of  the  27  counties  have  voted  in  favour 
of  Prohibition,  and  over  200  saloons  have  been  closed  by  these 
votes.  Tlie  total  vote  at  these  contests  was  as  follows  : — For 
Prohibition,  41,703;  against,  29,604;  majority  in  favour,  12,099. 
The  1912  Legislature  passed  a strong  search  and  seizure  law, 
and  a number  of  other  anti-liquor  laws,  all  of  which,  however, 
were  vetoed  by  the  Governor.  At  the  next  election  great  efforts 
will  be  put  forth  to  change  the  Governor.  The  total  population 
of  the  State  was  323,394,  of  whom  217,139  were  living  in  Pro- 
hibition areas. 

Montana. — M'hile  there  is  a County  Option  law  in  this 
.State,  its  provisions  are  so  defective  that  the  people  have  with 
difficulty  been  able  to  use  it.  Tliere  is  a growing  demand  for 
more  efficient  legislation.  There  are  several  large  Indian  and 
military  reservations  where  by  Federal  laws  the  liquor  traffic  is 
prohibited.  The  few  anti-liquor  laws,  including  Sunday  Closing, 
are  reported  to  be  well  enforced.  The  total  population  was 
376,033,  of  whom  about  13,000  are  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Nevada. — This  State  has  no  Local  Option  law,  and  has 
more  liquor  saloons  in  proportion  to  the  population,  less  pro- 
portionate territory  under  no-licence,  and  more  people  living  in 
licence  territory,  than  any  other  .State  in  the  Union.  The  State 
is  thoroughly  in  the  grip  of  the  liquor  traffic.  The  Indian 
reservation  is  the  only  Prohibition  territon,’  in  the  State.  Tlie 
total  population  of  the  State  was  81,873,  whom  only  about 
8,000  were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

New  Mexico. — Although  when  New  Mexico  was  admitted 
into  the  Union  in  1910  the  Temperance  people  failed  to  make  it 
a Prohibition  State,  they  have  succeeded  in  the  adoption  of  an 
amendment  to  the  constitution,  and  that  by  a majority  of  over 
12,000,  by  which  the  way  has  been  opened  for  constitutional 
Prohibition.  By  the  new  Statehood  .Act  the  Indian  Reservations 
will  remain  Prohibition  territory  for  25  years.  Beside  the  four 
Indian  Reservations,  and  the  four  Military  Reservations,  there 


293 


are  14  cities  and  tuvvns  under  no-licence,  Mouiilainair  has  a 
Prohibition  clause  in  every  deed.  In  1912  a measure  in  favour 
of  submitting  Prohibition  to  a vote  of  the  people  passed  the 
House  but  was  defeated  in  the  Senate.  The  total  population 
was  327,301,  of  whom  about  40,000  were  living  in  Prohibition 
areas. 

Oregon. — There  are  33  counties  in  the  State  and  in  nine  the 
liquor  traffic  has  been  voted  out  by  the  State  Local  Option  law. 
There  are  also  a number  of  towns  where  the  liquor  saloons  have 
been  suppressed.  A great  effort  is  being  made  for  State-wide 
Prohibition,  and  clubs  are  being  formed  to  secure  a better  en- 
forcement of  anti-liquor  laws  and  the  election  of  officials  com- 
mitted politically  and  morally  to  Temperance  legislation.  The 
total  population  of  the  State  was  672,765,  of  whom  230,000  were 
living  in  Prohibition  areas. 

Utah. — The  State  of  Utah  is  said  to  be  as  near  State-wide 
Prohibition  as  any  Local  Option  State  in  the  Union.  There  are 
now  only  235  saloons  in  the  whole  State,  and  of  this  number 
141  are  in  Salt  Lake  City  and  32  in  Ogden  City.  At  the  Local 
Option  contests  in  1911  no  less  than  87  cities  and  towns  voted 
no-licence,  while  only  14  voted  to  continue  the  liquor  traffic.  In 
Salt  Lake  City  the  vote  was  as  follows  : — ^For  no-licence,  9,328; 
against,  14,008;  majority  against,  4,680.  P'or  the  first  time  in 
the  history  of  the  Mormon  Church  the  officials  and  members  in 
annual  meeting  assembled  have  decided  to  take  action  against 
the  liquor  traffic.  The  Mormon  Church  being  the  governing 
factor  of  the  State,  some  drastic  legislation  may  be  expected 
at  no  distant  date.  The  total  population  of  the  State  was 
373,934,  of  whom  about  125,000  were  living  in  Prohibition 
areas. 

Washington. — The  Local  Option  law  of  Washington  was 
adopted  by  the  State  Legislature  in  1909,  since  which  date  220 
contests  have  been  held ; 140  have  been  carried  in  favour  of 
no-licence,  and  80  in  favour  of  the  saloons.  The  prohibitory 
territory  of  the  State  consists  of  the  unincorporated  portions  of 
34  counties,  six  entire  counties,  and  a large  number  of  cities, 
towns  and  villages.  By  the  success  of  no-licence  in  these  places 
572  licensed  saloons  have  had  to  close.  It  is  reported  that  most 
of  the  railroads  of  the  State  have  discontinued  the  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors,  and  that  the  steamboat  companies  are  doing  like- 
wise. The  saloons  of  Seattle  are  confined  by  a city  ordinance  to 
a very  small  portion  of  the  business  area.  The  total  population 
of  the  State  was  1,141,990,  of  whom  480,500  were  living  in 
Prohibition  areas. 


294 


Wyoming. — This  State  has  been  noted  for  its  drunkenness, 
gambling-,  and  prize  fighting,  but  of  late  years  the  new  inhabi- 
tants coming  from  other  parts  of  the  States  have  brought  with 
them  a higher  ideal  of  citizenship,  and  as  a result  the  liquor 
traffic  is  rapidly  disappearing,  and  with  it  the  desperado,  the 
gambler,  the  roulette  wheel  operate,  the  prize  fight  promoter, 
and  the  advocate  of  licensed  vice  and  the  saloon.  Every  unin- 
corporated place  in  the  State  is  now  without  liquor  saloons. 
Five  of  the  incorporated  cities  have  excluded  the  liquor  traffic 
by  the  vote  of  the  City  Councils.  The  Yellowstone  National 
Park,  which  is  the  largest  national  park  in  the  world,  is  under 
the  authority  of  the  United  States  Government,  and  by  an  Act 
of  Congress  intoxicating  liquors  are  not  permitted  to  pass  within 
its  portals.  The  large  Indian  Reservation  is  also  Prohibition 
territory.  The  saloons  are  closed  on  Sunday,  and  by  a recent 
decision  of  the  Supreme  Court,  the  club  saloon,  which  for  years 
has  been  a great  curse,  has  ceased  to  exist  by  legal  right.  The 
total  population  of  the  State  was  145,965,  of  whom  over  50,000 
were  living  in  Prohibition  areas. 


CHAPTER  X 


Mexico,  Central  America  and  the 
West  Indies 

“ I do  not  believe  that  the  Temperance  question  will  be  settled,  or  can  be 
settled,  without  the  active,  sympathetic,  systematic,  persistent  co-operation 
of  the  Church,  and  I do  believe  that  the  Christian  minister  who,  both  by 
precept  and  example,  does  not  take  an  open  stand  against  the  continuance 
of  the  liquor  traffic  is  accountable  for  the  evil  which  he  might  have 
prevented,  but  did  not.  It  is  too  late  in  the  world's  history  to  attempt  to 
defend  or  excuse  the  use  and  the  traffic  in  strong  drink  or  to  delay  its 
extermination.” — Professor  Charles  Scanlon,  Pittsburg  (1913). 


During  the  last  few  years  an  educational  campaign  in  the 
interest  of  Temperance  and  Prohibition  has  been  carried  on  in 
these  countries  by  a number  of  medical  men  and  others,  in  the 
medical  journals  and  the  daily  press,  which  has  brought  the 
question  before  the  public  as  it  has  never  been  before.  The 
power  of  the  Government  liquor  monopolies,  with  few  organi- 
sations to  battle  for  sobriety,  gives  the  liquor  traffic  a great 
advantage.  The  W.W.C.T.  U.  is  doing  a brave  work  in  Mexico 
and  some  of  the  Central  American  Republics,  while  the  Good 
Templars  and  others  are  doing  good  work  in  the  West  Indies. 

Mexico. — A specially  active  and  intelligent  Temperance  and 
prohibitory  campaign  is  being  carried  on  in  various  parts  of  this 
North  American  Republic,  especially  in  the  State  of  Yucatan, 
The  Yucatan  Temperance  Society  has  as  its  motto  ; “Abstinence 
for  the  Individual;  Prohibition  for  the  .State.”  Its  press  organ, 
Regeneracion  Social,  as  well  as  its  many  other  activities,  are 
ably  conducted  by  Dr.  Maximilano  Medina  Samada,  of  Merida. 

In  Mexico,  as  in  so  many  other  countries,  the  Doctors  of 
Medicine  are  leading  in  the  fight  against  alcoholism.  One  of  the 
pronouncements  of  the  Medical  Union  of  Temperance  of  Yucatan 
is  a statement  which  has  been  signed  by  more  than  sixty  of  the 
medical  practitioners  of  that  ancient  and  historic  State,  com- 
mending total  abstinence  and  warning  the  people  against  alcohol 
as  a poison.  The  Governor  of  the  State  has  congratulated  the 
Medical  Union  for  its  work  in  improving  the  condition  of  the 
people;  and  various  of  the  other  State  Governments  of  the 
Republic  have  expressed  themselves  in  very  favourable  terms 


296 


towards  the  proposals  for  Temperance  and  Prohibition  in  their 
country. 

The  disturbed  condition  of  the  nation,  and  the  assassination 
of  the  President,  have  been  against  any  great  advance  in  Tem- 
perance reform,  but  the  movement  is  being  advocated  by  so 
many  able  men  and  women,  that  with  a renewal  of  settled 
government  much  progress  may  be  expected.  Even  during  the 
various  revolutions  which  have  taken  place,  the  question  of  Tem- 
perance teaching  in  the  public  schools  has  been  strongly  advo- 
cated and  in  many  places  adopted.  Tlie  Governors  of  15  States 
have  endorsed  this  movement  among  the  young,  while  the  Secre- 
tary of  State  for  Vera  Crux  pledged  himself  to  support  Temper- 
ance teaching  in  all  the  public  schools. 

Remarkable  support  has  been  rendered  to  total  abstinence 
and  Prohibition  by  the  writings  and  addresses  of  such  men  as 
Senor  Don  Enrique  Creel,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Chihuahua ; 
Dr.  J.  E.  Moujaras,  Secretario-General  Del  Cossezo  Superior 
de  Salubridad,  City  of  Mexico;  Manuel  E.  Pastrana,  National 
Director  of  the  Meteorological  Service  of  Mexico,  and  many 
others,  including  His  Excellency  the  late  President  Madero. 
Miss  Dunmore,  W.\\\C.T.  U.,  reports  that  two  States  have 
recently  adopted  laws  favouring  Prohibition. 

An  authoritative  book  entitled  “El  .\lcoholismo  en  Mexico,’’ 
has  been  published  and  widely  circulated  under  the  authorship 
of  Dr.  Fernando  Ponce,  Medical  Director  of  the  Louis  Ponce 
Hospital  of  Tulancingo,  and  a member  of  the  Interior  Medical 
Society  of  Mexico.  Dr.  Ponce  calls  for  the  organising  of  a 
National  .\nti-.\lcoholic  Congress,  which  it  is  expected  will  be 
held  in  the  city  of  Mexico  at  no  distant  date.  .Additional  gather- 
ings are  projected  for  the  definite  purpose  of  reducing  inebriety 
and  putting  down  the  evil  of  alcoholism  in  that  country. 

Other  notable  contributions  to  the  subject  from  the  medical 
aspect  have  been  made  by  Dr.  .Adolfo  Oliva,  of  Guadalajara, 
entitled,  “Alcoholism  : its  Nature,  its  Ravages,  and  its  End,’’ 
and  “ .Alcoholism  and  the  Tobacco  Habit:  Their  Dangers.’’ 

'I'he  legal  profession  has  also  taken  a leading  position  in 
the  growing  agitation  against  the  liquor  traffic.  In  this  con- 
nection may  be  noted  the  issue  of  several  pamphlets  by  Senor 
Celedonio  Padilla,  a member  of  the  .Academy  of  Jurisprudence 
of  Jalisco;  and  “.Alcoholism  Before  the  Law,’’  by  Senor  Diego 
G.  Lopez,  of  Merida,  who  has  also  contributed  an  interesting 
thesis  based  upon  his  professional  examination  of  alcoholism 
from  a legal  aspect. 


297 


Tlic  pages  of  Salud  y I'ida  (“Health  and  Life”),  and  other 
influential  magazines  and  newspapers  of  the  Mexican  Republic, 
frequently  give  prominent  and  expert  attention  to  the  general 
subject  of  intoxicants  and  their  suppression.  The  lemperance 
and  Prohibition  workers  have  departments  organised  for  work 
among'  women  along  the  lines  of  the  W.W.C.T.U.,  and  among 
the  young  in  the  form  of  the  Loyal  Temperance  Legion. 

Central  America. — Throughout  Central  America  the  manu- 
facture of  spirits  is  largely  a Government  monopoly  by  which 
huge  sums  of  money  are  raised  for  revenue  purposes.  The  moral 
and  material  condition  of  the  people  seem  to  be  very  little  con- 
sidered. When  proposals  are  placed  before  either  of  the  Par- 
liaments having  reference  to  the  liquor  traffic,  the  first  question 
asked  is  “Will  it  affect  the  revenue?’’  and  on  this  ground  the 
proposals  stand  or  fall.  While  it  is  true  that  all  new  countries 
must  have  revenue  for  the  construction  of  railways,  roads, 
canals,  ports,  etc..  Governments  must  learn  that  the  prohibition 
of  the  importation,  manufacture  and  sale  of  all  intoxicants  is 
the  truest  way  of  bringing  prosperity  to  the  people  and  perma- 
nent success  to  the  nation. 

The  liquor  laws  of  the  Central  American  Republic  are  very 
similar.  San  Salvador  is  the  only  one  of  these  Republics  which 
prohibits  young  men  under  21  years  of  age  from  entering  a liquor 
saloon,  or  being  served  with  alcoholic  liquors.  A heavy  penalty 
is  inflicted  for  the  violation  of  this  law.  There  is  no  restriction 
in  the  hours  of  sale  or  the  number  of  places,  the  idea  being  that 
the  larger  the  number  of  saloons  and  the  more  liquor  disposed 
of,  the  better  for  the  revenue.  There  is  also  no  law  prohibiting 
the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  to  the  Indians,  and  it  is  stated 
that  the  Maya  Indians,  which  were  once  a great  race,  are  being 
“wiped  out  of  existence  by  the  liquor  traffic.’’  The  English 
and  American  traders  are  accused  by  the  missionaries  of  dis- 
tributing gin  to  the  natives  at  Christmas,  by  which  an  enormous 
amount  of  mischief  is  done.  At  one  time  Prohibition  was 
thoroughly  enforced  in  the  Moskito  Indian  Reservation  in 
Nicaragua,  but  the  Government  is  now  so  decidedly  in  favour 
of  the  liquor  traffic  that  even  this  restraint  has  been  removed. 
It  is  greatly  to  be  regretted  that  so  little  Temperance  work  is 
being  done  in  either  country. 

1'he  West  Indies. — Tlie  principal  islands  are  under  the 
Governments  of  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States,  with  the 
Republics  of  Haiti  and  San  Domingo.  There  are  very  few 
restrictive  laws,  the  larger  number  dealing  simply  with  duties 
and  licence  fees.  Speaking  of  the  Bahamas,  Mr.  Albert  Dillett 
states  : — 


298 


“ Local  Option  was  enacted  over  twenty  years  ago,  but  has 
“ since  been  practically  nullified  by  amendments.  No  liquors 
“ are  manufactured  in  the  Colony,  all  are  imported  and  pay  duty, 
“ which  makes  the  traffic  a favourite  with  the  Government.  We 
“ have  had  only  one  instance  of  the  employment  of  a barmaid. 
“No  person  under  i8  years  of  age  may  be  employed  to  sell 
“ liquors,  and  liquor  cannot  legally  be  sold  to  a child  under  i6 
“ years  of  age.  These  laws  are  continually  openly  and  flagrantly 
“ violated.  The  police  are  culpably  negligent,  and  the  com- 
“ munity  apathetic.’’ 

In  all  the  other  islands  similar  testimony  is  given.  The 
Governors  and  Councils  make  the  laws,  and  seldom  if  ever  con- 
sult the  people  in  any  way  whatever.  When  asked  by  the  British 
Government  if  there  was  any  system  of  Local  Option,  almost 
every  Governor  replied,  “No  such  legislation  exists.’’ 

Haiti. — In  reference  to  this  Republic,  it  is  stated  that  no 
public  records  are  kept,  either  of  the  manufacture  or  sale  of 
intoxicating  liquors,  or  of  the  evil  results.  Poverty,  immorality 
and  crime  abound  on  every  hand.  One  remarkable  statement  is 
that  “the  religious  organisations  of  Haiti  do  not  make  the  dis- 
couragement of  drinking  a prominent  feature  of  their  local 
work.”  It  is  about  time  they  did. 

San  Domingo. — In  this  Republic  everybody  who  cares  to 
sell  intoxicating  liquor  can  do  so  without  the  slightest  pretence 
at  regulation  ; all  that  is  reguired  is  to  pay  the  licence  fee.  The 
Rev.  C.  H.  Williams  states  : — 

“ Think  of  a small  town  with  a population  of  8,000,  where 
“ there  are  115  stores,  and  at  each  liquor  is  sold  as  the  chief 
“ article  of  trade.  The  custom  has  grown  to  such  an  extent  that 
“ customers,  male  and  female,  before  patronising  a store,  must 
“ be  assured  that  rum  will  be  given  to  them  as  a premium  on  the 
“goods  they  purchase.  The  merchant  who  has  no  rum  would 
“ sell  no  goods,  so  he  goes  with  the  tide.  There  are  5,000,000 
“ acres  planted  with  sugar  cane,  mostly  manufactured  into  rum. 
“ The  people  of  all  the  Islands  of  the  Carribean  Sea  flock  here 
“ for  this  spirit.  The  Government  care  nothing  for  the  evils 
“created  because  they  receive  a big  revenue.” 

In  several  of  these  islands  the  W.\\'.C.T.U.  and  the  Good 
Templars  are  working  in  the  hope  of  rousing  the  people  to  their 
danger. 


CHAPTER  XI 


South  America 

“ There  is  not  a doubt  but  that  total  prohibition  is  the  method  which 
responds  most  fully  in  the  Anti-Alcoholic  campaig-n  to  the  requirements  of 
hygiene  and  morals,  and  that  it  also  constitutes  the  one  true  medium  in 
therapeutics  and  ethics  which  we  can  use,  that  the  social  organism  may 
recover  from  an  evil  so  profound  and  extended  as  in  alcoholism.” 

Victor  Deljino,  M.D.,  F.K.I.H.S.,  Buenos  Ai/es  (1913) 


In  several  of  the  South  American  Republics  there  is  a distinct 
awaking'  to  the  dangers  of  alcoholism.  Many  notable  men  are 
speaking  out  with  no  uncertain  sound,  and  leading  new'spapers 
have  published  of  late  columns  of  information  respecting  the 
Prohibition  movement  in  other  parts  of  the  world.  Some  of  the 
official  documents  issued  by  the  International  Prohibition  Con- 
federation have  been  translated  and  published  in  full  in  several 
newspapers  of  the  most  importance. 

Argentine  Republic. — At  present  there  are  no  laws  for 
restraining  the  liquor  traffic,  but  both  in  Parliament  and  the 
country,  efforts  are  being  put  forth  in  favour  of  Temperance 
reform.  The  first  step  taken  in  the  interest  of  reform  was  the 
issue  of  El  Alcoholismo  by  Senor  Victor  Delfino,  Editor  of  the 
“Scientific  and  Industrial  Annual,”  in  which  he  proposed  Tem- 
perance teaching  in  all  the  public  schools.  To  this  Dr.  Delfino 
received  the  Government’s  endorsement,  and  it  is  now  part  of 
the  curriculum  of  the  schools.  Numbers  of  meetings,  and  the 
spread  of  Prohibition  literature,  made  it  possible  for  Dr.  Juan  F. 
Cafferata,  M.P. , to  bring  the  matter  before  Parliament  and  to 
propose  a measure  for  the  suppression  of  alcoholism,  a favour- 
able hearing  being  given  to  the  measure. 

In  June,  1913,  an  important  meeting  of  the  Argentine 
Society  of  Public  Hygiene  and  Sanitary  Engineers,  was  held  at 
Buenos  Aires,  under  the  presidency  of  Dr.  Cafferata,  M.P.  Dr. 
German  Anshiitz,  Dr.  Domingo  Calred,  and  others  spoke,  and 
the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted  ; — 

“ For  the  purpose  of  uniting  ideas  in  the  campaign  against 
“ drunkenness  in  America  it  is  desirable  to  form  an  International 
“ Committee  of  the  Latin  American  countries  charged  with  the 
“ organisation  of  a special  Congress  for  this  end.” 


300 


The  Gothenburg  System  having  been  recommended  as  a 
solution  of  the  evils,  Dr.  Delfino  declared  the  system  to  be  im- 
practicable, and  that  to  permit  themselves  to  recommend  its 
trial  amongst  the  existing  babel  of  drink-sellers  would  be  bad 
policy  for  their  country,  llie  proposal  to  exclude  wine  and  beer 
from  the  proposed  Prohibition  law  was  also  condemned,  Dr. 
Delfino  stating  : — 

“ From  a study  of  this  question  we  can  see  that  the  pro 
“ position  to  exclude  fermented  liquors  from  the  prohibitive  laws 
“ is  not  only  against  the  experience  of  other  countries,  but  con- 
“ trary  to  the  principles  of  social  justice,  and  is  inspired  more 
“ by  fiscal  considerations  than  by  considerations  of  the  general 
“ interest  of  humanity.” 

Bolivia. — The  constant  revolutions  and  wretched  adminis- 
trations are  declared  to  have  almost  destroyed  the  trade  of  the 
country,  but  the  liquor  traffic,  with  all  its  evil  influence,  will 
doubtless  have  too  often  incited  to  the  one  and  made  possible  the 
other.  Some  slight  efforts  are  being  made  on  behalf  of  Tem- 
perance. 

Brazil. — -The  Brazilians  are  stated  to  have  become  so 
accustomed  to  the  habit  of  drinking  intoxicating  liquors  that 
they  are  consumed  ‘‘  before  breakfast,  at  all  meals,  between 
meals,  and  with  coffee  after  meals.”  The  physical  evils  re- 
sultant from  such  a life  must  be  enormous,  and  it  is  little  wonder 
that  a number  of  Doctors  have  commenced  an  agitation  for 
reform  Among  the  leaders  of  this  new  movement  may  be 
named  Dr.  Wolfgang  Schultz,  Editor  of  Des  Alkoholgegner,  of 
Porto  .-\legre ; Dr.  Jose  F.  V.  Oliviera,  L’Ecole  Normale,  San 
Paulo,  and  Dr.  Joao  B.  de  Lacerda,  Directeur  Music  National, 
Rio  de  Janeiro. 

British  Guiana. — By  an  Ordinance  passed  in  1909  the  sale 
of  intoxicating  liquor  to  Indians  is  now  prohibited.  Mr.  J.  H. 
King,  Assistant  Government  Secretary,  states:  — 

‘‘  This  Ordinance  (No.  10)  prohibits  the  sale  of  intoxicating 
‘‘  liquors  to  the  aboriginal  Indians  of  the  Colony.  A measure  of 
‘‘  this  sort  has  been  found  necessary  here,  as  it  has  been  found 
‘‘  in  other  places.  The  Ordinance  makes  it  an  offence  to  sell,  or 
‘‘  give,  intoxicating  liquors  to  any  Indian,  and  enables  any  such 
” liquor  to  be  seized  and  forfeited.  Any  intoxicated  Indian  can 
” be  arrested  and  detained  in  any  lock-up  till  he  is  sober,  and  is 
” liable  to  a penalty  if  he  refuses  to  give  information  as  to  the 
” person  who  supplied  him  with  the  liquor.  This  Ordinance 
‘‘  follows  the  lines  of  similar  legislation  in  Canada,  Natal,  and 
” New  Zealand.  ” 


301 


Chili. — In  1895  the  Chilian  Parliament  passed  a law  for 
the  diminution  of  the  sale  of  spirits.  Believing-  that  spirits  were 
the  only  cause  of  drunkenness,  wine  and  beer  were  omitted  from 
this  legislation.  Dr.  Zillereuclo,  criticising  this  action  in  1913, 
says  — • 

“ The  reduction  of  the  sale  of  spirits  coincides  with  an  in- 
“ creased  consumption  of  wine  and  beer,  so  that  now  brandy  and 
“ liquors  equals  21  per  cent,  and  wine  and  beer  79  per  cent,  of 
“ the  alcoholic  consumption  of  Chili.  This  fact  teaches  much. 
“ To-day  our  people  get  drunk  with  wine  and  the  vice  remains 
“ just  as  it  did  before  the  laws  were  passed  against  spirits.  The 
“ law,  to  be  effective,  should  suppress  all  alcoholic  liquors  from 
“ whatever  source  obtained.  Laws  that  protect  one  kind  of 
“ alcohol  and  attack  another  are  hypocritical  and  are  only  good 
“ to  show  the  decadence  of  the  Legislature.  The  net  result  of 
“ this  queer  kind  of  reform  is  that  drunkenness  remains  the 
“ same,  the  consumption  of  alcohol  is  maintained,  and  the  crime, 
“ lunacy,  suicides  and  other  evils  resulting  from  its  sale,  re- 
“ mained  equal  to  what  it  was  before  the  law  was  passed.” 

In  1902  the  Chilian  Parliament  passed  a number  of  regula- 
tions, both  for  the  seller  and  consumer  of  intoxicating  liquors. 
The  police  were  given  power  for  the  first  time  to  arrest  for 
drunkenness  in  any  public  place.  Tlie  penalty  is  three  to  five 
days’  imprisonment,  or  a fine.  Public  officials,  army  and  navy 
men,  drivers  of  vehicles,  persons  with  firearms,  etc.,  are  to  be 
sent  to  prison  without  the  option  of  a fine.  Heads  of  public 
offices,  or  employees  in  State  educational  work,  are  to  be  sus- 
pended from  duty  with  a loss  of  salary  for  60  days,  and  for  a 
second  offence  to  be  dismissed.  Railway  and  steamboat 
workers,  found  drunk  on  duty,  are  to  be  punished  and  dismissed 
the  service.  If  an  employer  or  State  official  permits  any  of  these 
workers  to  follow  their  employment  when  under  the  influence  of 
liquor,  he  is  liable  to  a fine  of  $1,000  (;^20o),  and  if  employed  by 
the  State,  to  instant  dismissal.  A husband  who  becomes  in- 
capable of  managing  his  business  through  drunkenness  may, 
on  the  petition  of  any  member  of  the  family  be  sent  to  an  ine- 
briate asylum  for  twelve  months. 

The  saloon  keepers  are  prohibited  from  serving  any  person 
under  21  years  of  age,  and  the  giving  of  liquor  to  such  persons 
which  makes  them  drunk  is  a penal  offence.  Liquor  saloons 
are  allowed  to  keep  open  from  6 a.m.  until  mid-night,  but  in 
country  places  only  from  sunrise  to  sunset. 

It  is  illegal  to  sell,  or  advertise  liquor  for  sale,  in  any 
theatre,  circus,  or  any  other  public  place  of  entertainment,  rail- 
way station  or  railway  train.  Liquor  saloons  are  prohibited 


302 


within  220  yards  of  a church,  school,  charitable  institution,  gaol, 
or  military  barracks.  All  saloons  existing  in  these  areas  in 
1902  were  ordered  to  be  closed  within  three  years. 

In  1911  an  Anti-Alcoholic  League  was  established  at 
Santiago  by  Admiral  Arturo  Fernandez  Vial,  of  the  Chilian 
Navy.  At  the  inaugural  meeting  the  Admiral  declared  himself 
convinced  that  “ Prohibition  is  the  law  that  must  be  adopted 
against  the  liquor  traffic,  if  the  evils  are  ever  to  be  suppressed.” 
Many  leading  medical  men  and  others  are  joining  in  the  move- 
ment against  the  liquor  traffic. 

Columbia. — While  an  energetic  effort  is  being  made  to 
counteract  the  evils  of  the  liquor  traffic,  the  United  States 
Brewery  Company  have  erected  a large  brewery  at  Colombia. 
The  opening  of  the  Panama  Canal  is  the  excuse  for  this  exten- 
sion of  the  brewery  plant.  While  it  may  not  be  fully  carried  out 
as  extensively  reported  in  the  public  press,  that  during  the  con- 
struction of  the  Canal,  liquor  saloons  are  prohibited,  except  at 
Panama  and  Colon.  The  following  is  proof,  however,  that  liquor 
is  not  generally  sold. 

The  Dean  of  Hereford,  in  June,  1911,  stated: — 

“ I have  just  returned  from  a trip  to  the  West  Indies  and 
” Panama,  and  in  regard  to  the  latter  area,  where  the  great 
“ Canal  is  being  made,  I found  they  have  not  only  banished  the 
” mosquito,  which  is  the  cause  of  fever,  but  strong  drink,  which 
“ is  the  cause  of  drunkenness.  On  each  side  of  the  Canal  for 
‘‘  five  miles  inland,  I found  there  was  total  Prohibition.” 

Sir  Harry  H.  Johnston,  G.C.M.G.,  K.C.B.,  writes  on  the 
6th  October,  1911,  in  reference  to  his  visit  to  the  Canal  works  : — 

” I certainly  observed  wherever  the  .American  Government 
” had  direct  control  and  owned  the  hotels,  that  Prohibition  was 
‘‘  enforced.  I am  a teetotaler  myself,  but  1 remember  that  my 
‘‘  travelling  companion  had  this  prohibition  strongly  enforced 
‘‘  on  him  when  once  or  twice  he  asked  for  a little  wine  or  beer 
” If  Prohibition  is  not  enforced  throughout  the  Canal  zone,  1 
” think  it  is  a grievous  pity.” 

Ecuador. — Practically  no  check  is  put  upon  the  liquor  traffic 
except  for  the  purpose  of  revenue.  Native  wine  is  the  common 
drink,  but  spirits  and  beer  from  the  United  States,  and  from 
Europe,  are  being  imported  in  increasing  amounts.  The  in- 
habitants are  largely  Spanish,  with  a goodly  number  of  abor- 
iginal Indians  and  Mestizos.  Drunkenness  is  stated  to  be 
growing,  especially  in  the  City  of  Guayaquil,  the  chief  port  of 
the  Republic.  Missionaries  and  others  are  speaking  and  writing 
in  favour  of  something  drastic  being  done  to  stop  the  further 
inroad  of  alcoholism  among  the  people. 


303 


Paraguay. — While  we  are  told  that  this  Republic  “ stands 
at  the  threshold  of  an  age  of  newer  and  greater  things,”  the 
curse  of  the  liquor  traffic  is  felt  in  every  direction.  By  means  of 
the  Paraguayan  and  the  Argentine  Railways,  which  now  extend 
from  Asuncion  to  Buenos  Aires,  liquor  is  carried  into  the  interior, 
so  that  the  country  is  being  flooded  with  it.  The  Government, 
while  refusing  to  listen  to  the  appeals  for  Prohibition,  have  en- 
couraged the  making  of  wine  and  the  distillation  of  spirits, 
with  a view  of  increasing  the  revenue  of  the  country.  The 
condition  of  the  people  is  said  to  have  gone  from  bad  to  worse, 
so  that  the  Government  will  be  compelled  to  adopt  some 
measures  against  the  traffic  before  very  long.  The  pity  is  that 
so  much  preventable  evil  is  permitted,  before  active  steps  are 
taken  to  suppress  the  cause.  The  Prohibition  Colony  of  Cosme, 
established  in  1894,  by  Mr.  William  Lane  and  others,  still 
prospers.  The  people  are  stated  to  be  all  total  abstainers,  and 
to  enforce  thoroughly  the  laws  of  the  Colony,  which  prohibit  the 
importation,  manufacture  and  sale  of  any  intoxicant  in  their 
midst. 

Peru. — The  Government  of  Peru  places  no  restrictions  upon 
either  the  manufacture,  importation,  or  sale  of  intoxicating 
liquors,  they  merely  sell,  every  four  years,  to  the  highest  bidder, 
the  right  to  carry  on  the  traffic,  and  tax  those  who  sell.  By 
this  method  the  Government  obtains  an  annual  revenue  of  over 
;:^20o,ooo  ($1,000,000)  from  a population  of  about  3,500,000,  of 
whom  only  500,000  are  whites,  over  2,000,000  are  Indians,  and 
the  remainder  Spanish  Indians,  and  Negroes,  and  Asiatics.  In 
spite  of  its  inexhaustable  wealth,  and  its  superior  climate, 
drunkenness  and  crime  are  reported  to  extensively  prevail,  so 
that  a number  of  doctors  and  others  are  appealing  to  the  legis- 
lature for  some  drastic  reform.  The  leaders  in  this  reform 
movement  are  Dr.  Giro  Napanga  Aguero,  Lima,  and  the  Rev. 
Thomas  B.  Wood,  Chief  Templar  of  the  Good  Templars  of 
Lima. 

Uruguay. — In  1911  the  Government  appointed  an  Official 
Commission  of  Enquiry,  to  study  the  evils  of  the  liquor  traffic, 
and  advise  how  best  to  limit  the  pernicious  effects  of  alcoholism. 
A large  amount  of  evidence  has  been  taken,  and  the  report  of  the 
Commission  is  anticipated  with  much  interest.  The  medical 
men  are  taking  up  the  question,  several  advocating  the  entire 
prohibition  of  the  traffic.  Dr.  Bernard  Etchepare,  Dr.  Jose 
Salgado,  and  Dr.  Scoseria,  are  leaders  in  the  agitation.  The 
W.W.C.T.U.  and  the  Y.M.C.A.  are  also  taking  a leading  part 
in  the  fight,  for  ‘‘  A Sober  LTuguay.  ” A great  Anti-.AlcohoIic 
Congress  was  recently  held  at  Montevideo,  and  the  speeches  of 


304 


the  principal  doctors  have  been  printed  and  are  being  widelv 
circulated. 

Mrs.  Coates,  of  Montevideo,  states  : — 

“ These  Latin  people  have  been  so  accustomed  to  the 
“ habitual  use  of  wine  that  it  is  difficult  to  break  them  from  it. 
“We,  however,  incessantly  place  before  them  the  benefits  of 
“ Temperance  and  the  evils  of  alcoholic  indulgence,  and  have 
“ been  rewarded  by  support  in  the  highest  circles  of  the  State, 
“ notably  with  the  Government,  Police,  and  Legislative  Authori- 
“ ties.  ’’ 

Mrs.  Carrie  van  Domselaar,  President  of  the  Uruguay 
W. W.C.T.U.,  writing  on  February  7th,  1913,  states: — 

“ The  Government  is  beginning  to  awaken  to  the  importance 
“ of  at  least  limiting  the  number  of  drinking  houses  (Dispachos 
“ de  Bebidas).  Dr.  Etchepare,  who  has  made  the  study  of  in- 
“ sanity  a speciality,  has  done,  and  is  still  doing,  a great  deal  to 
“ awaken  a sentiment  toward  Prohibition.  Our  Union  is  work- 
“ ing  all  the  time,  but  it  cannot  have  much  influence  with  the 
“ Government  as  yet,  although  petitions  are  sent  to  the  Chamber 
“ whenever  the  subject  is  to  be  discussed.  Our  hope  is  in  the 
“ children  who  are  receiving  instruction ; as  they  take  their  place 
“ in  the  world  it  cannot  fail  to  have  great  effect.” 

\’enezuela. — There  are  a large  number  of  distilleries  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  Republic  of  \'^enezuela,  producing,  it  is 
reported,  a vile  concoction  of  spirits  which  causes  a terrible 
amount  of  drunkenness.  All  appeals  to  the  Government  for 
suppression  of  these  distilleries  have  so  far  been  in  vain.  The 
Government  impose  a State  tax  upon  these  distillers  which  pro- 
duces about  ;^20,ooo  ($100,000)  per  year.  In  addition  to  the 
State  tax  there  is  a municipal  tax  and  a licence  fee.  Rum  is  the 
common  drink,  but  gin  and  brandy  are  also  extensively  used. 
Beers  are  almost  unknown.  A number  of  so-called  “ low  drink- 
places  are  run  by  the  Chinese,  where  rum  and  other  intoxicating 
concoctions  are  sold  to  the  poorer  classes,  which  it  is  conceded 
are  ruinous  to  those  who  use  them,” 


PART  V 


AUSTRALASIA 


I 


Reductioa  by  popular  vote. 


CHAPTER  I 


The  Commonwealth  of  Australia 


“ In  the  face  of  modern  medical  science,  it  is  strang-e,  passing'  strange, 
that  men  and  women  should  spend  such  vast  sums  of  money  in  intoxicants. 
There  is  warfare  ag'ainst  microbes  and  various  forms  of  disease,  yet  people 
court  weakness  by  the  daily  use  of  alcohol.  A man  once  on  the  down  grade 
may  at  last  join  the  criminal  classes,  and  become  a serious  trouble  and  ex- 
pense to  society.  A woman  made  a widow  by  drink  may,  with  her  children, 
have  a bitter  struggle  with  poverty  for  a decade.  These  things  ought  to  be 
a trumpet  call  to  action  to  all  true-hearted  men  and  women,  to  work  for  a 
complete  reform.  I venture  to  predict  that  a national,  a scientific  view,  will 
in  time  prevail,  and  the  expenditure  in  alcoholic  liquors  will  fall  to  compara- 
tively tiny  proportions.” — Archdeacon  Boyce,  Sydney  {1913). 


The  Commonwealth  of  Australia  was  established  in  1900, 
and  consists  of  the  six  States — New  South  Wales,  Queensland, 
South  Australia,  Tasmania,  Victoria  and  Western  Australia, 
with  a seventh,  the  prospective  new  State  of  Northern  Australia. 
The  evils  of  the  liquor  traffic  and  the  benefits  of  Prohibition, 
have  repeatedly  been  brought  before  the  Commonwealth  Parlia- 
ment, and  in  almost  every  instance  the  members  have  decided 
against  the  traffic. 

The  difficulty  of  deciding  upon  a Federal  Capital  was  at  last 
settled  by  the  determination  to  establish  a new  Capital  which 
should  be  free  from  the  liquor  traffic.  The  liquor  evil  has  a foot- 
ing in  every  city  and  town  of  any  importance  in  the  Common- 
wealth and  this  fact  was  one  of  the  strong  arguments  against 
making  either  of  the  existing  cities  or  towns  the  new  Capital  of 
the  Commonwealth.  The  liquor  interests  were  greatly  incensed 
against  Members  of  Parliament  who  supported  the  building  of  an 
entirely  new  city,  similar  to  Washington,  where  the  Federal  Par- 
liament and  all  the  central  Government  offices  would  be  estab- 
lished, and  at  the  General  Election  exerted  their  influence  in  vain 
tO'  defeat  those  who  supported  the  New'  Capital.  The  Labour 
Party  was  successful  in  the  contest,  in  1910,  and  Mr.  Andrew 
Fisher,  a personal  abstainer,  was  called  to  the  position  of  Prime 
Minister.  His  Government  and  party  consisted  largely  of  total 
abstainers,  so  that  w'hen  it  was  decided  to  call  for  plans  for  the 
laying  out  of  the  new  Capital,  Yass  Camberra,  the  Government 
decided  that  no  liquor  licences  should  be  issued  for  the  city.  It 


308 


is  not  expected  that  the  defeat  of  the  Fisher  Government  at  the 
elections  in  1913  will  alter  the  policy  thus  adopted. 

During  the  existence  of  the  Labour  Government  very  many 
important  administrative  reforms  were  effected.  The  liquor  traffic 
was  prohibited  from  sending  liquor  through  the  post ; water  was 
used  by  Lady  Denman  in  the  christening  ceremony  in  launching 
the  Australian  capital ; the  liquor  canteens  were  prohibited  in 
connection  with  all  military  camps  of  training;  liquor  saloons 
were  prohibited  from  being  opened,  or  liquor  sold  from  Govern- 
ment stores,  in  connection  with  the  construction  of  the  great 
Trans-Australian  Railway.  The  Government  promised  if  again 
returned  to  power  the}’  would  secure  the  enactment  of  the  Initia- 
tive and  Referendum  Law  under  the  provisions  of  which  the 
people  would  have  power  to  decide  that  legislation  should  be 
adopted  to  deal  with  the  liquor  traffic,  even  up  to  Prohibition. 
The  Government  were  also  pledged  to  pass  a Measure  giving  the 
residents  of  the  Northern  Territory,  as  soon  as  the  new  State  be- 
comes establish,  power  to  prohibit  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors 
altogether.  The  defeat  of  the  Labour  Government  only  means 
the  delay  of  a few  years  in  the  adoption  of  these  and  many  other 
drastic  proposals  dealing  with  the  liquor  traffic. 

In  reference  to  the  Prohibition  of  the  Liquor  Canteens  con- 
nected with  the  Training  Camps,  Senator  G.  F.  Pearce,  the 
Minister  of  Defence,  in  the  Fisher  Government,  in  an  interA’ievv 
published  in  the  Sydney  Star,  .A.pril,  1913,  says  : — 

“ I was  not  in  favour  of  the  prohibition  and  at  the  present 
“ time  I am  in  a state  of  suspended  judgment.  When  the  Bill 
“ was  introduced,  I opposed  it.  I voted  against  it.  I did  not 
“ make  the  Act,  but  I have  to  administer  it.  1 thought  at  the 
“ time  that  if  the  canteens  were  abolished,  the  men  would  get 
“ the  liquor  surreptitiously.  I have  asked  all  the  brigadiers  to 
“ furnish  me  with  a report  as  to  how  the  system  worked  right 
“ throughout  the  Commonwealth. 

“ I have  been  informed  that  there  has  been  a total  absence 
“ of  crime  during  the  camps.  I don’t  know  what  caused  it,  but 
“it  is  a reasonable  supposition  that  the  lack  of  opportunities 
“ for  obtaining  drink  must  have  had  something  to  do  with  it. 
“ I believe  that  a hardened  toper  might  walk  a mile  or  so  to 
“ obtain  his  liquor,  but  I also  tbink  that  the  young  lads  who  were 
“ in  camp  for  the  first  time  were  not  exposed  to  temptations  which 
“ would  have  existed  there  had  the  customary  canteens  been 
“ allowed.  The  fact  that  the  soldiers  go  into  the  towns  and 
“ obtain  drink  does  not  affect  the  situation  at  all.  for,  if  this 
“ prohibition  has  been  a success,  it  will  not  be  a difficult  matter 
“ to  have  a short  Act  passed  making  it  an  offence  to  sell  liquor  to 
‘ ‘ the  trainees,  ’’ 


30P 


Under  the  authority  of  the  Australian  Commerce  Act,  Mr. 
F.  G.  Tudor,  Minister  for  Trade  and  Customs,  had  a new  regula- 
tion drafted  which  came  into  operation  on  May  ist,  igio.  The 
Acting  Controller-General  of  Commerce  and  all  State  Collectors 
are  instructed  that  — 

“ Schnapps  and  other  spirituous  liquors,  upon  which  ex- 
“ travagant  and  misleading  statements  appear  on  the  labels  as 
‘‘  to  the  medicinal  and  curative  properties  of  the  liquor,  are  not 
“to  be  admitted  until  such  misleading  and  extravagant  state- 
“ ments  or  claims  have  been  eliminated  from  the  labels, 
“ wrappers,  etc.  ’’ 

A number  of  labour  troubles  have  occurred  in  various  parts 
of  Australia,  and  the  liquor  problem — as  in  the  great  Swedish 
strike  and  the  Liverpool  strike — has  had  to  be  dealt  with.  In 
Brisbane,  during  the  great  strike  of  January  and  February, 
1912,  the  authorities  ordered  the  closing  of  all  liquor  saloons  as 
follows  ; — From  February  1st  to  7th  the  saloons  were  closed 
altogether.  From  February  8th  to  nth  they  were  closed  except 
from  mid-day  to  3 p.m.  ; from  February  12th  to  igth,  they  were 
open  from  6 a.m.  to  6 p.m.  ; and  afterwards  they  were  open 
during  the  usual  hours.  The  following  are  the  number  of  con- 
victions for  drunkenness  during  these  weeks  : — 

Week  previous  to  W'eek  ol  Three  hours  Twelve  hours  First  week  ot 
entire  closing^.  Prohibition.  of  sale.  of  sale.  full  time. 

50  5 6 40  67 

.After  the  strike  the  Medical  Superintendent  of  the  General 
Hospital  of  Brisbane  made  the  following  statement  ; — 

“ The  closing  of  the  liquor  bars  was  to  the  advantage  of  the 
“ hospital.  Tlie  refractory  ward,  which  has  been  occupied  for 
“ months  past,  w'as  entirely  out  of  commission  until  the  hotels 
“were  re-opened.’’ 

Temperance  teaching  in  the  public  schools  of  .Australia  has 
been  generally  adopted  by  each  of  the  State  Parliaments.  Several 
of  the  Ministers  of  Education  have  endeavoured  to  secure  the 
best  training  of  the  young  in  the  principles  of  total  abstinence. 

Mr.  VV.  F.  Finlayson,  M.P.,  who  has  done  so  much  in  the 
Federal  Parliament  to  advance  Temperance  legislation,  was 
entertained  to  luncheon  in  February,  1913,  at  which  the  Mayor 
of  Perth  (Mr.  J.  H.  Prowse)  presided,  supported  by  a large 
number  of  the  leading  Temperance  reformers  of  Australia.  Mr. 
Finlayson  was  thanked  for  his  efforts  to  prohibit  the  sale  of 
liquor  in  the  Federal  Parliament  buildings;  the  sale  of  liquor  in 
connection  with  the  construction  of  the  Trans-Australian  railway, 
and  for  voicing  the  opposition  of  the  Commonwealth  to  the  sale  of 


310 


intoxicating  liquors  in  the  new  Capital  City.  Mr.  Finlayson,  in 
his  reply,  said  : — 

‘ ‘ 1 am  more  than  ever  convinced  that  it  is  necessary  to  give 
“ the  Federal  Parliament  absolute  control  of  liquor  legislation. 
“ At  the  present  time  there  are  six  States  dealing  in  a different 
“ way  with  this  vicious  traffic.  The  liquor  traffickers  and  their 
“ friends  oppose  Federal  control  because  it  is  so  much  more  easy 
“ to  influence  local  Parliaments  than  it  would  be  the  Federal 
“ Parliament.  The  failure  to  secure  just  liquor  laws  from  the 
“ State  Parliaments  will  be  readily  admitted,  and  justified  an 
“ appeal  to  the  National  Parliament.  If  I were  a Member  of  a 
“ State  Parliament  I would  urge  the  transfer  of  the  power  to  deal 
“ with  the  liquor  traffic  on  grounds  of  economy.  The  Federal 
“ authorities  control  the  Custom  and  Excise  revenue  received 
“ from  the  liquor  imported  and  manufactured,  while  the  States 
“ carry  the  burden  of  the  police,  criminal  courts,  judges,  magis- 
“ trates,  gaols,  lunatic  asylums,  etc.,  rendered  largely  necessary 
“ by  the  sale  of  liquor,  and  the  deal  is  by  no  means  fair.  I am 
‘ ‘ strongly  opposed  to  State-owned  hotels,  and  to  any  system  of 
“ nationalisation,  and  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  such 
“ proposals  would  find  no  favour  with  either  the  Federal  Govern- 
“ ment,  the  majority  of  whose  members  are  total  abstainers,  or 
“ with  the  members  of  the  Federal  Parliament.  The  liquor 
“ dealers  have  no  geographical  limitations,  their  defence  organ- 
“ isations  are  nationalised,  and  the  Temperance  forces  will  do 
“ well  to  federalise  their  efforts  for  the  coming  fight.  In  each 
“ State  the  Temperance  and  Christian  vote  must  be  organised  so 
“ that  it  can  be  cast,  not  only  in  favour  of  prohibitory  legislation, 
“ but  against  any  party  or  men  who  refuse  to  allow  the  people, 
“by  a simple  majority  vote,  to  decide  this  great  question  for 
‘ ‘ themselves.  ’’ 

Papua,  or  New  Guinea,  having  been  brought  under  the 
authority  of  the  Commonwealth,  the  Federal  Parliament  in  1909 
gave  the  whole  white  population,  male  and  female,  local  and 
colonial  option,  a majority  vote  being  able  to  secure  the  entire 
prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic.  This  is  stated  to  be  the  most 
up-to-date  local  option  legislation  yet  secured  in  any  British 
Colony. 


CHAPTER  II 


The  Australian  States 

“ Research  had  shown  that  a person  who  was  a chronic  consumer  of 
alcohol  was  less  able  to  stand  disease  than  was  a person  who  did  not  take 
alcohol.  I believe  that  if  the  Federal  authorities  would  take  over  Cape 
Barren  Island,  and  make  it  a prohibition  area,  to  which  all  persons  who 
desired  to  g-et  away  from  intoxicating  liquors  could  go,  and  also  those 
persons  who  were  habitual  drunkards  could  be  sent,  a great  step  would 
be  made  toward  arriving  at  a solution  of  the  difficulty.  They  should  also 
make  it  the  main  part  of  their  work  to  educate  the  young  in  Temperance 
principles,” 

— y.  .S.  Purdy,  M.D.,  Chief  Officer  of  Health  for  the  Stale  of  Tasmania  (1912). 


Frotn  the  time  when  responsible  Government  was  placed 
upon  the  shoulders  of  the  people  of  these  States,  until  now,  there 
has  been  a long  and  continuous  struggle  with  the  liquor  traffic. 
The  traffickers  have  opposed  with  all  their  might  any  recogition 
of  the  right  of  the  people  to  regulate,  reduce  or  suppress  the 
liquor  saloon,  and  it  has  only  been  after  prolonged  agitation  that 
the  State  Parliaments  have  conceded  this  right.  New  South 
Wales  has  a full  veto  power ; and  the  other  States  have  power  to 
reduce  the  number,  or  to  prevent  the  opening  of  new  places  for 
the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  Although  no  great  victory  can 
yet  be  recorded  in  either  of  the  States  the  fight  is  still  on  and  will 
be  continued  until  the  traffic  is  destroyed. 

New  South  Wales. — At  the  general  election  for  the  State 
Parliament  in  1903,  Mr.  J.  H.  Carruthers,  M. P. , Leader  of  the 
Opposition,  promised  that  if  elected  with  a fair  majority,  he 
would  introduce  a Measure  giving  the  people  the  direct  popular 
veto  over  the  liquor  traffic.  A most  strenuous  campaign  was 
entered  upon  and  the  State  witnessed  the  greatest  struggle  ever 
waged  in  its  history.  The  result  was  a great  victory  for  Temper- 
ance. It  was  the  first  election  in  which  the  women  had  the 
right  tO'  vote,  and  it  is  estimated  that  a very  large  percentage 
gave  their  votes  to  Mr.  Carruthers  or  his  supporters.  The  Gov- 
ernment being  defeated,  resigned  and  Mr.  Carruthers  was  ap- 
pointed Prime  Minister.  He  formed  his  Government  and  intro- 
duced his  liquor  reform  bill,  which  after  a strenuous  fight  was 
carried  through  the  Representative  Assembly  by  large  majori- 
ties. When  the  measure  reached  the  Council  a demand  was 


312 


made  for  Compensation  if  liquor  saloons  were  closed  by  means 
oi  the  popular  veto.  After  a severe  struggle  the  bill  was  passed 
by  a majority  of  one  vote  only,  and  that  without  any  kind  of  com- 
pensation. The  new  law  came  into  force  on  Januarj'  ist,  1906. 

Tlie  Act  closes  all  liquor  saloons  on  Sundays  and  on  all 
Parliamentary  Election  days.  It  prohibits  the  employment  of 
barmaids  under  21  years  of  age,  and  no  young  person  of  either 
sex,  under  17  years  of  age,  is  permitted  to  enter  a liquor  bar. 
It  penalises  a parent  who  sends  a child  under  14  years  of  age  for 
liquor.  It  strengthens  the  law  preventing  the  sale  of  alcoholic 
liquors  to  Aborigines  and  other  coloured  people.  It  prohibits  any 
liquor  seller  having  more  than  one  bar  except  by  permission  and 
the  payment  of  an  extra  fee.  This  was  adopted  with  a view  to 
closing  a number  of  immoral  private  bars.  It  abolishes  all  bogus 
clubs,  and  brings  under  regulation  all  other  clubs  where  liquor 
is  sold.  A number  of  other  regulations  were  passed  to  assist  the 
Law  Courts  to  better  enforce  the  law. 

The  Act  provides  for  full  local  option,  the  principal  clauses 
may  be  summarised  as  follows  : — On  the  day  of  any  General 
Election,  unless  18  months  have  not  intervened,  a vote  on  the 
liquor  question  shall  take  place.  All  men  and  women  who  are 
electors  are  entitled  to  vote.  The  three  questions  submitted  to 
each  voter  are  as  follows  : — i For  or  against  the  continuance 
of  the  liquor  traffic;  2 For  or  against  a reduction  of  the  number 
of  saloons ; 3 For  or  against  no-licence.  If  continuance  be  car- 
ried all  persons  licensed  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors  in  the  electo- 
rate are  able  to  continue  to  do  so  as  before.  If  reduction  be 
carried,  a special  court,  consisting  of  a judge  and  two  chairmen  of 
licensing  benches,  decide  which  liquor  saloons  shall  be  closed. 
Under  ordinar}'  circumstances  the  reduction  would  be  from  12 
to  25  per  cent.,  but  where  there  are  more  than  36  licences  the 
discretion  appears  to  be  wider. 

If  no-licence  is  carried,  no  liquor  can  be  sold  either  in  an 
hotel,  wine  shop  or  club.  While  the  brewery  is  not  closed  the 
brewer  is  not  permitted  to  sell  to  any  one  in  the  no-licence  electo- 
rate. A chemist  may  sell  liquor  only  on  the  production  of  a 
medical  certificate.  After  a no-licence  resolution  has  been 
adopted,  a poll  can  be  taken  at  the  next  General  Election  for  a 
restoration  of  liquor  saloons.  Either  for  no-licence  or  for  res- 
toration a three-fifths  majority  is  required,  together  with  a vote 
of  30  per  cent. , of  the  electorate.  A bare  majority  Is  sufficient 
to  secure  a reduction  or  a continuance  of  the  traffic. 

The  first  contest  under  the  Act  took  place  on  September  10, 
1907,  and  was  preceded  by  a most  vigorous  campaign.  The 


313 


whole  State  was  well  organised  by  both  parties,  and  although  the 
Temperance  friends  failed  to  carry  any  electorate  for  no-licence, 
in  13  electorates  majorities  were  given  in  favour  of  no-licence, 
but  not  the  three-fifths  majority  required.  In  no  less  than  65 
out  of  the  90  electorates,  Reduction  was  carried,  and  a large 
number  of  saloons  were  closed.  The  voting  resulted  as  follows  : 

Continuance  Reduction  No-Licence 

210,371  74»72i  178,600 

The  second  contest  took  place  on  Oct.  14th,  1910,  and  again 
no  electorate  polled  sufficient  majority  to  carry  no-licence.  In 
ten  electorates  majorities  were  given  in  favour  of  no-licence,  but 
not  the  three-fifths  majority  required.  Only  14  electorates  car- 
ried Reduction,  each  of  which  had  carried  reduction  in  1907. 
A careful  study  of  the  figures  shows  what  a tremendous  handi- 
cap the  three-fifths  majority  added  to  the  30  per  cent,  poll  has 
been  to  the  Temperance  workers  in  all  parts  of  the  State.  The 
educational  influence  of  the  contest  was  stated  to  have  been  of 
enormous  good  in  the  interest  of  sobriety.  The  result  of  the 
voting  was  as  follows  : — 

Continuance  Reduction  No-Licence 

3^5.963  38.689  212,840 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  figures  that  while  the 
prohibitionists  secured  an  increase  of  40,213  on  the  1907  poll,  the 
liquor  traffic  secured  an  increase  of  no  less  than  117,454.  The 
contest  was  remarkable  as  showing  the  largest  number  of  voters 
— 584,823— that  have  ever  taken  part  in  a no-licence  contest  in 
British  history.  The  Rev.  Archdeacon  Boyce,  President  of  the 
no-licence  organisation,  writing  after  the  contest,  stated  : — 

“ The  battle  was  strenuously  fought  on  both  sides.  The 
“continuance  votes  cost  the  brewers  and  publicans  about  5/6 
“each  ($1.32)  as  they  spent  about  ;£.'90,ooo  ($450,000).  The 
“ General  Election  was  on  the  same  day,  but  in  many  electorates 
“ the  Local  Option  issue  quite  overshadowed  it  in  public  inter- 
“ est.  The  Temperance  people  worked  splendidly  in  the  cam- 
paign and  some  fifty  or  sixty  liquor  licences  will  be  cut  off  by 
“ the  reduction  vote.  ffTe  dishonourable  tactics  of  ‘ The  Trade  ’ 
“ in  the  fight,  revealed  chiefly  in  the  last  two  days — wffien  it  was 
“ too  late  for  us  to  answer  effectively — ^wdll  permanently  injure 
“ their  cause  in  this  country.’’ 

The  third  contest  is  to  take  place  in  September,  1913,  just 
as  this  book  is  passing  through  the  printers’  hands.  News  from 
the  State  shows  that  a great  fight  is  being  again  waged  between 
the  liquor  traffic  and  the  Temperance  people,  the  latter  being 
hopeful  that  at  least  a large  number  of  places  will  be  carried  for 
Reduction. 


314 


Queensland. — The  State  Licensing  Law,  adopted  in  1885, 
which  conceded  the  principle  of  local  option,  was  greatly  altered 
and  amended  in  1912.  By  the  new  Act  it  has  been  arranged  that 
the  old  system  of  local  option  shall  continue  until  the  end  of  1915. 
Under  this  law  no  new  licence  shall  be  granted  unless  or  until 
at  a Local  Option  poll  such  has  been  decided  by  a majority  of  the 
electors.  In  1915  it  will  be  necessary  to  secure  a majority  of 
three-fifths  before  any  new  licences  can  be  issued.  Until  1915 
a tenth  of  the  ratepayers  in  any  ward  or  municipality,  division, 
or  shire,  may  demand  a poll  for  reduction  or  for  Prohibition.  To 
carry  reduction  a simple  majority  is  sufficient  but  to  secure  Pro- 
hibition a two-thirds  majority  must  be  obtained.  .\t  the  end  of 
1915  these  provisions  are  abrogated  and  the  new  .-\ct  comes  into 
force. 

Under  the  new  Law  of  1912  it  is  enacted  that  on  and  after 
the  Senate  Election  in  1916  a poll  of  the  electors  may  be  held  as 
follows.  At  each  contest  up  to  1925  the  question  of  reduction 
can  alone  be  voted  upon.  In  1916  a vote  will  be  taken  for  or 
against  the  following: — " That  the  number  of  licences  shall  be 
reduced  by  one-fourth  of  the  existing  number.”  In  1919  the 
question  to  be  voted  upon  will  be  : — ‘‘  That  the  number  of 
licences  shall  be  further  reduced  by  one-fourth  of  the  number 
existing  when  Resolution  .A  was  carried.”  Three  years  later 
(in  1922)  a vote  may  be  taken  upon  the  following  : — ‘‘  C.  That 
the  number  of  licences  shall  be  further  reduced  by  one-fourth  of 
the  number  existing  when  Resolution  B was  carried.”  In  each 
case  the  poll  must  be  demanded  by  one-tenth  of  the  electors,  and 
a majority  vote  will  secure  the  reduction. 

Three  years  later  (or  in  1925),  it  will  be  possible  to  vote  on 
what  is  called  Resolution  ‘‘  D,”  viz.  : — “ That  the  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors  shall  be  prohibited.”  To  carry  this  resolution  a 
three-fifths  majority  will  be  required  and  in  order  to  make  any 
poll  effective  35  per  cent,  of  those  on  the  register  must  go  to  the 
poll.  When  this  resolution  is  carried  it  shall  ni  t be  lawful 
(whether  from  outside  the  area  or  otherwise)  to  sell,  supply, 
deliver,  barter  or  otherwise  dispose  of  any  intoxicating  liquors 
within  the  prohibited  district.  No  railway  refreshment  room  or 
other  licence  shall  be  issued,  and  all  licences  shall  cease  at  the 
expiration  of  the  year  for  which  they  were  granted.  If  at  the 
commencement  of  the  .Act  in  any  area  (i)  resolution  ‘‘  .A  ” has 
been  adopted  ; or  (2)  there  are  no  licences  in  force,  the  resolution 
so  in  force  shall,  until  revoked,  have  the  same  effect  as  if  resolu- 
tion ‘‘  D ” had  been  carried,  and  the  provisions  of  this  part  of 
the  Act  relating  to  the  consequences  following  upon  the  adoption 
of  resolution  ‘‘  D ” shall  be  in  force. 


315 


Other  sections  of  the  Act  prohibit  liquor  sellers  supplying 
liquor  to  habitual  drunkards,  any  person  apparently  under  the 
age  of  twenty-one,  any  person  who  is  insane  or  is  reasonably 
suspected  to  be  insane,  whether  temporarily  or  permanently, 
and  any  female  in  any  bar  or  in  any  room  adjacent  to  a bar 
which  is  specially  set  apart  for  drinking  purposes.  A liquor 
seller  is  also  prohibited  from  gratuitously  supplying  any  liquor 
to  personal  friends  or  guests  in  any  bar  or  any  room  immediately 
connected  with  or  opening  into  a bar.  All  liquor  saloons  must  be 
closed  on  Sunday,  Christmas  Day,  Good  Friday,  during  polling 
hours  of  any  polling  day  for  members  to  the  State  or  Common- 
wealth Parliament,  or  during  the  day  on  which  a local  option  vote 
is  being  taken.  All  clubs  in  which  intoxicating  liquors  are  sold 
must  be  registered,  have  at  least  8o  members  within  a ten-mile 
radius  of  the  G.P.O.,  Brisbane,  and  40  elsewhere.  The  lowest 
annual  subscription  must  be  ;^i  ($5).  All  clubs  are  subjected  to 
the  same  laws  regarding  the  sale  of  liquor  as  licensed  victuallers. 

Needless  to  say  the  Act  did  not  meet  with  the  approval  of 
the  Temperance  people  of  Queensland  and  a determined  agitation 
has  been  commenced  for  the  repeal  of  that  section  which  post- 
pones until  1925,  the  taking  of  a vote  on  Prohibition.  The 
amendments  advocated  are  as  follows  : — (i)  Provision  for  taking 
a State  Option  Votej  (2)  Triennial  polls,  automatic  and  without 
request,  on  Prohibition  or  continuance ; (3)  The  result  of  all 
polls  to  be  decided  on  a majority  vote  irrespective  of  the  number 
of  electors  voting;  and  (4)  No  compensation  for  licences  taken 
away  as  the  result  of  any  local  option  poll. 

South  Australia. — By  the  Licensing  Act  passed  in  1908  it 
is  illegal  to  supply  alcoholic  liquors  to  aboriginal  natives  or  half- 
castes  ; or  to  persons  under  sixteen  years  of  age,  for  the  use  of 
other  persons,  or  under  eighteen  years  of  age  for  their  own  use. 
No  person  under  sixteen  years  of  age — other  than  the  child  of 
the  licensee — is  permitted  to  be  in  a bar-room  and  no  additional 
barmaids  must  be  employed  after  March  31st,  1909.  At  present 
South  Australia  has  only  the  power  to  secure,  by  Local  Option, 
a reduction  of  licences. 

On  July  i8th,  1913,  a large  and  influential  deputation  waited 
upon  the  Hon.  A.  H.  Peake,  M.P.,  Prime  Minister,  with  the 
request  that  liquor  bars  be  closed  the  same  as  ordinary  places 
of  business,  and  that  some  advanced  Temperance  legislation  be 
introduced  into  Parliament  at  an  early  date.  Mr.  J.  Smeaton, 
M.  P.,  introduced  the  deputation  and  presented  the  first  portion 
of  a petition  signed  by  40,000  persons  in  support  of  the  views 
of  the  deputation.  Addresses  were  delivered  by  Mr.  W.  J.  Rofe 
(President  South  Australian  Temperance  Alliance),  Mrs.  E.  W. 


316 


Nicholls  (President  W.C.T.U.),  Bishop  Wilson,  Rev.  H.  H. 
Cann  (Methodist),  Rev.  Dr.  Davidson  (Presbyterian),  Rev.  D. 
M'Nicol  (Baptist),  Rev.  A.  H.  Teece  (Congregational),  and 
others.  Some  strong  statements  were  made  in  reference  to  the 
evils  of  the  liquor  traffic  and  the  need  for  some  drastic  reforms. 

Colonel  Gain  (Commander  of  the  Salvation  Army  forces  in 
South  Australia)  made  a very  forcible  speech,  in  which  he  said  : — 

“ The  great  object  of  the  Salvation  Army  was  the  saving  of 
“ souls,  and  so  strongly  did  it  view  the  liquor  question  that  it 
“ made  it  a test  of  membership.  He  supported  the  request  for 
" pertinent,  powerful,  and  immediate  legislation.  Iffie  Army 
‘ ‘ did  not  see  by  any  process  of  reasoning  what  right  the  bars 
“ had  for  advantages  over  any  other  trade,  and  it  could  not  see 
“ the  utility  of  the.  liquor  trade  in  any  form.  He  would  like  to 
“ see  it  swept  away,  and  they  could  start  by  accepting  the 
“ request.  The  liquor  trade  should  have  no  place  in  the  State. 
“ They  were  not  necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  man  or 
“ beast.  The  Salvation  .Vrmy  had  Temperance  hotels  in  all 
“ parts,  and  these  were  all  congested.  Tliat  was  an  argument 
“ against  the  need  for  hotels.  Why  should  temptation  be  open 
“ to  their  young  manhood  to  degrade  it  instead  of  helping  it  to 
“ become  a potent  factor  in  the  affairs  of  the  State.  They  hoped 
“ that  the  present  Government,  the  custodians  of  the  sacred 
‘‘  rights  of  the  people,  would  employ  all  its  powers  to  curtail  the 
“ traffic.  The  Salvation  .Army  was  always  on  the  side  of  law 
“ and  order  and  good  citizenship,  and  all  its  powers  and  passions 
“ and  force  and  faith  were  ever  exercised  in  trydng  to  benefit 
“ humanity  in  the  best  interests  of  the  State,  and  he  hoped  the 
“ present  Government  would  help  it  to  that  end.” 

The  Premier  in  his  reply  stated  that  in  accordance  with  his 
pledge  at  the  last  General  Election  he  could  not  give  the  promise 
asked  for.  They  must  give  the  Licensing  .Act  of  iqog  a fair 
chance,  and  until  the  next  election  nothing  more  could  be  accom- 
plished, but  he  assured  them  that  — 

‘‘  Every  member  of  the  Government  had  active  sympathy 
‘‘  with  Temperance  reform,  and  for  his  own  part  and  in  behalf 
” of  the  Government,  he  could  tell  them  that  when  they  went  to 
” the  country  they  would  propound  their  policy  for  the  next 
‘‘  election — it  was  no  use  talking  to  them  before  then — they 
” would  propound  a policy  of  Temperance  reform  which  he  was 
” hopeful  would  be  satisfactory  so  far  as  the  Temperance  people 
” generally  were  concerned,  and  would  help  to  bring  Temperance 
” legislation  generally  up  to  date.” 

Much  dissatisfaction  is  felt  throughout  .South  Australia  in 
the  ranks  of  Temperance  reformers  at  the  want  of  action  on  the 
part  of  the  Government,  and  an  energetic  agitation  is  going 
forward  in  preparation  for  the  next  General  Election. 


317 


Tasmania. — Full  local  option  is  to  come  into  force  on  Jan. 
ist,  1917,  in  the  meantime  the  people  have  the  power,  by  a 
simple  majority,  to  prevent  the  opening;  of  any  new  liquor 
saloons ; Sunday  Closing;  and  other  laws  are  well  enforced.  Lec- 
tures have  for  many  years  been  given,  and  lessons  allowed,  in 
all  the  State  schools. 

Victoria. — The  licensing  laws  of  Victoria  prohibit  the  sell- 
ing of  liquor  to  any  person  under  sixteen  years  of  age,  and  no 
new  licences  can  be  issued  unless  on  a poll  there  is  a three-fifths 
majority  in  favour.  By  this  provision  many  new'  districts  and 
towns  are  growing  up  in  w'hich  no  liquor  shops  have  yet  been 
opened.  By  an  amendment  of  the  Licensing  Act  in  igo6  the 
Victorian  Parliament  remodelled  the  licensing  law's  very  closely 
upon  those  of  New'  Zealand.  On  January  ist,  1917,  the  people 
will  have  the  pow'er  by  local  option  to  prohibit,  reduce  or  continue 
the  liquor  traffic.  No-licence  w'hen  adopted  will  prevent  the  sale 
of  intoxicating  liquors  at  hotels  and  at  all  other  places  from  the 
end  of  the  year  for  which  the  licence  w'as  issued. 

In  the  meantime  a Court  has  been  established,  called  the 
Reduction  Board,  which  has  power  to  close  surplus  liquor 
saloons,  and  the  Board  has  been  very  active  in  this  direction. 
In  six  years  (1906-1912)  no  less  than  613  liquor  saloons  were 
closed.  Formerly  compensation  was  paid  out  of  public  funds 
when  liquor  saloons  w'ere  closed,  but  by  the  new  law'  a tax,  for 
this  purpose,  of  three  per  cent.,  is  levied  upon  the  liquor  sold. 

The  laws  of  Victoria  state  : That  aboriginal  natives  and 
children  under  eighteen  years  of  age  must  not  be  supplied  with 
intoxicating  liquors ; the  doors  of  all  liquor  bars  must  be  kept 
locked  during  the  whole  of  Sunday  and  prohibited  hours ; 
barmaids  under  tw'enty-one  years  of  age  must  not  be  employed  ; 
concerts  and  dancing  must  not  be  held  on  licensed  premises ; no 
person  directly  or  through  his  wife  is  permitted  to  have  any 
financial  interest  in  more  than  one  licence ; the  licence  is  liable  to 
forfeiture  if  the  licensee  is  absent  from  the  premises  for  more 
than  28  days ; no  liquor  can  be  sold  on  credit ; the  payment  of 
wages  and  totalisators  are  prohibited  in  connection  with  liquor 
saloons. 

Western  Australia. — During  the  1912  Session  of  the 
State  Parliament,  the  Hon.  Thomas  Walker,  on  behalf  of  the 
Government,  introduced  a Local  Option  Bill,  which  how'ever  was 
so  mutilated  in  Committee  that  the  measure  was  withdrawn. 

Mr.  James  Mather,  General  Secretary,  West  Australian 
.Alliance,  writing  from  Perth,  February  nth,  1913,  says: — 

“ There  are  a few  points  about  this  Bill  of  historic  interest. 
“ (i)  It  is  the  first  Bill  presented  to  an  Australian  Parliament 


318 


“ which  did  not  emanate  from  the  avowed  friends  of  the  liquor 
“ traffic.  (2)  It  is  the  only  Bill  so  presented  which  recognises 
“ that  a simple  majority  of  votes  cast  may  terminate  every  kind 
“ of  liquor  licence.  (3)  It  is  the  first  attempt  in  any  Parliament 
“ by  the  direct  recognised  representatives  of  the  workers  to  deal 
“ legislatively  with  the  traffic  which  inflicts  such  cruel  wrongs 
“ upon  the  working  classes. 

“ We  have  the  assurance  of  the  Premier  that  the  Bill  will 
“ be  re-introduced  in  .August  (1913)  and  that  the  ‘reduction’  issue 
“ will  be  deleted,  thereby  reducing  the  issues  submitted  to  the 
“electors  to  ‘Licence’  and  ‘No-licence.’  These  amendments 
“ are  of  peculiar  interest  to  those  engaged  in  a life  and  death 
“ struggle  with  the  national  degradation,  and  the  struggle  before 
“ us  is  to  overcome  the  opposition  to  such  a measure  in  the 
“ Legislative  Council.’’ 

At  present  the  general  laws  of  the  State  prohibit  any  female, 
other  than  the  wife  or  daughter  of  the  licensee,  unless  registered 
prior  to  1910,  from  serving  as  a barmaid.  A bona-fide  traveller 
must  have  travelled  at  least  ten  miles  before  he  can  be  supplied 
with  liquor  during  prohibited  hours.  .A.s  the  law  stands  at 
present  local  option  will  come  into  force  in  1921,  when  a majority 
of  three-fifths  will  be  required  to  prohibit  the  liquor  saloons. 


CHAPTER  III 


Papua,  and  the  Pacific  Islands 

“ One  thing  is  beyond  all  possibility  of  denial — alcohol  is  the  very  worst 
drink  a man  can  indulge  in  in  Papua.  It  is  directly  responsible  for  more 
breakdowns  than  all  the  diseases  put  together,  and,  indirectly,  accounts  for 
an  enormous  percentage  of  malarial  deaths  and  recurrences.  The  natives 
who  are  universally  free  from  the  alcoholic  craving  call  alcoholic  liquor,  the 
‘ silly  white  man’s  medicine.’ ” — Colonel  Kenneth  Markay,  C.B.  Chairman  of 
the  Australian  Royal  Commission  to  Papua  (1906). 


A variety  of  laws  and  orders  exist  among  the  large  number 
of  Islands  to  be  found  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Temperance  legisla- 
tion however,  is  very  little  known  except  in  Papua — formerly  Bri- 
tish New  Guinea,  where  there  is  a very  good  local  option  law, 
which  is  fairly  well  adopted  and  enforced.  In  most  of  the  other 
Islands  Government  orders  have  been  issued  for  many  years  pro- 
hibiting the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  to  the  natives,  and  taxing 
the  manufacture,  importation  and  sale  of  such  liquors  for  revenue 
purposes. 

Papua. — When  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia  was  formed, 
Papua  was  placed  under  the  Commonwealth  Parliament,  and  a 
new  constitution  had  to  be  drafted.  The  Federal  Government  pro- 
posed a clause  prohibiting  the  liquor  traffic,  but  this  was  changed 
to  one  of  local  option.  On  this  point  Mr.  W.  H.  Lee,  G.C.T.  of 
the  Good  Templars,  New  South  Wales,  states  : — 

“ Prohibition  was  knocked  out  of  the  constitution  of  Papua 
“ at  the  request  of  the  Missionaries,  who  gave  as  a reason  that 
“ they  did  not  want  Prohibition  forced  upon  them  from  without 
“ but  would  prefer  to  settle  the  liquor  question  for  themselves. 
“ So  the  Federal  Parliament  substituted  a clause  giving  the  white 
“ residents  (male  and  female),  local  and  state  option,  without 
“compensation,  and  on  a majority  vote.  This  is  the  most 
“ up-to-date  measure  in  any  of  the  States  of  Australia  or  New 
“Zealand.” 

The  Bill  passed  both  Houses  of  Parliament  and  Is  now  the 
law  of  the  Island.  A large  number  of  saloons  have  been  closed  by 
means  of  this  law,  but  the  writer  cannot  understand  why  the  Mis- 
sionaries of  Papua  should  have  opposed  the  wise  policy  of  prohi- 
bition proposed  by  the  Federal  Government,  in  favour  of  a system 


320 


of  local  option,  which  at  its  best,  is  very  far  from  being  as  satis- 
factory as  the  entire  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic. 

The  following  statements  in  reference  to  the  benefits  of  total 
abstinence  and  prohibition,  from  leading  British  representatives 
in  Papua,  will  be  read  with  great  interest.  Sir  William  McGregor, 
K.C.M.G. , Administrator  of  Papua,  in  his  annual  report  for 
1888,  stated  : — 

“ In  my  experience  people  that  are  total  abstainers  in  the 
“ Colony  enjoy  better  health,  and  have  a lower  mortality,  than 
“ those  that  are  not  abstainers.  There  is  a widespread  popular 
“ belief  that  some  stimulant  is  required  in  the  tropics,  especially 
“ by  people  that  have  in  a cooler  climate  been  accustomed  to  it. 
“ This  will  not  stand  the  test  of  experience.  It  is  a matter  that 
“ any  one,  not  a total  abstainer,  can  prove  for  himself  in  a 
“ month.  I have  not  known  a missionary  that  was  of  intemper- 
“ ate  habits;  but  it  is  easy  to  see  that  the  missionary  who  has 
“ no  alcoholic  stimulant  with  his  meals  is  healthier  than  he  who 
“ has.  The  principle  applies  to  all  residents  in  the  country,  but 
“it  is  easier  to  see  in  the  case  of  the  missionaries  than  among 
“ other  classes,  because  their  habits  and  practice  are  more  regu- 
“ lar  and  uniform.  The  missionaries  who  as  a class  are  total 
“ abstainers,  are  the  healthier,  and  stand  exposure  better  than 
“others.  The  man  who  is  a total  abstainer  bears  very  much 
“ better  the  onset  of  fever  than  the  man  who  is  not;  and  he  is 
“ also  less  liable  to  other  diseases.” 

Tfie  Hon.  Stanford  Smith,  .Administrator  of  Papua  in  1912, 
states  : — 

“ .Another  matter  in  which  the  interests  of  the  natives  are 
“ studied  with  greater  concern  than  in  most  of  the  newly  settled 
“ countries  of  the  world  relates  to  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors. 
“ No  fermented  liquors  are  made  by  the  natives,  and  the  use  of 
“ imported  alcoholic  liquors  is  prohibited.  During  the  twenty- 
“ two  years  of  British  rule,  the  administration  has  succeeded  in 
“ maintaining  these  prohibitory  laws. 

“ In  nearly  ever}’  country  peopled  by  coloured  races,  string- 
“ ent  laws  have  been  enacted  against  supplying  intoxicants  to 
“ natives,  but  in  very  few  hav^e  the  authorities  succeeded  in 
“ preventing  the  natives  from  procuring  them. 

“ I believe  it  can  be  said  that  very  few  if  any  of  the  natives 
“of  this  territory'  have  ever  tasted  any  intoxicating  liquor,  and 
“ this  condition  of  affairs  in  the  island  of  Papua  is  certainly  very 
“creditable  to  its  British  administrators.” 

The  Hon.  J.  Batchelor,  Minister  for  External  .Affairs  in  the 
.Australian  Commonwealth,  having  had  his  attention  called  to  the 
number  of  Papuans  who  leave  the  island  for  Torres  Straits  and 
the  Thursday  Island  Pearl  Fishing,  and  are  there  .served  with 
intoxicating  liquors,  has  determined  no  longer  to  permit  these 


321 


people  tO'  leave  the  island  to  undertake  this  work.  And  all  per- 
mits under  which  even  Asiatics  have  been  employed  in  the  Pearl 
Fishing  have  been  withdrawn  since  January  ist,  1913. 


Among  the  reasons  given  for  these  important  steps  being 
taken  are  the  following 

“ That  reports  have  been  frequently  received  that  such 
“ natives  have  obtained  intoxicating  liquors  and  acquired  the 
“drinking  habit.  That  such  natives  on  returning  to  their  vil- 
“ lages  are  always  desirous  of  obtaining  liquor,  thus  creating  a 
“ danger  of  such  liquors  being  surreptitiously  imported  into  the 
“ territory,  and  consumed  by  the  natives.’’ 

A great  outcry  has  been  raised  by  those  engaged  in  the 
sale  of  alcoholic  liquors,  and  by  those  engaged  in  pearling,  the 
one  wishing  to  dispose  of  their  liquor,  and  the  others  wanting, 
of  course,  cheap  black  labour.  Neither  of  these  parties  seem  to 
care  for  the  welfare  of  the  labourers.  The  Commonwealth 
Government,  and  especially  the  Minister,  is  to  be  congratulated 
upon  the  stand  they  have  taken,  which  it  is  to  be  hoped  they  will 
maintain,  so  that  the  Papuans  and  the  Asiatics  may  be  protected 
from  the  evil  influence  of  the  liquor  traffic. 

Fiji. — The  Colony  of  Fiji  consists  of  some  250  islands  in 
the  South  Pacific  Ocean.  Several  of  these  islands  are  unin- 
habited, and  the  total  population  is  only  about  150,000,  of  whom 
about  90,000  are  Fijians,  45,000  Indian  immigrants,  and  3,734 
Europeans,  together  with  some  Polynesians  and  others.  When 
asked  by  the  British  Government  in  1906  if  Local  Option  was 
the  law  of  the  Colony,  the  Acting  Governor,  Hon.  Charles 
Major,  replied:  “I  have  to  state  that  there  is  no  law  in  this 
Colony  giving  powers  of  Local  Option.’’  The  evils  of  the  liquor 
traffic  are  great  both  among  the  coloured  and  white  people. 


Mr.  G.  Beauclere,  a leading  Good  Templar  of  Suva,  writing 
in  the  Fiji  Times  of  September  21st,  1910,  draws  the  attention 
of  the  authorities  to  the  danger  arising  from  the  growth  of  the 
drinking  habit  in  the  islands,  quoting  among  other  official 
figures  the  following,  which  shows  the  amount  of  intoxicating 
liquors  consumed  by  white  and  coloured  people  ; — 


Year.  Whites. 

1891.  ;C12,466  (162,330). 

1901.  ;£14,950  (175,050). 

1905.  19,574  (197,870). 

1909.  £26,281  ($131,505). 


Coloured. 
£13,334  ($66,670). 
£26,502  ($132,510). 
£32,530  ($162,650). 
£39,960  ($199,808). 


Totals. 

£25,800  ($130,000). 
£41,452  (.$207,260). 
£52,104  ($260,520). 
£69,241  (.$346,115). 


Hawaii. — The  Hawaiian,  or  Sandwich  Islands,  were  an- 
nexed to  the  United  States  in  1897,  and  organised  as  a territory 
in  1900.  Owing  to  the  admitted  evils  of  the  liquor  traffic,  an 


V 


322 


effort  was  made  in  the  United  States  Congress  (1909)  to  secure 
Prohibition,  but  in  this  it  was  found  impossible  to  secure  the 
agreement  of  both  Houses.  It  was  therefore  determined  to  sub- 
mit the  matter  to  a popular  vote.  This  vote  was  taken  on  July 
26th,  1910,  resulting  in  a victory  for  the  liquor  traffic.  The 
result  was  as  follows: — For  Prohibition,  2,185;  against,  7,284; 
majority  against,  5,099.  The  Temperance  friends  in  the  Islands 
had  very  little  organisation,  but  they  had  the  great  help  of  the 
Hon.  J.  G.  Woolley.  They  have  now  determined  to  get  a 
thorough  organisation  established  so  as  to  be  better  able  to  fight 
the  liquor  traffic  at  the  next  contest. 

Two  of  the  Islands  have,  however,  secured  Prohibition,  viz., 
Kauai,  with  a population  in  1910  of  23,744,  and  Lanai,  with  a 
population  of  131.  The  following  extract  is  taken  from  the 
Pacific  Commercial  Advertiser  of  May  31st,  1910,  a morning 
paper  published  at  Honolulu  : — 

“ With  a closer  approach  now  to  prohibition  than  it  has 
“ ever  had,  Kauai  points  to  its  record  with  pride.  That  shows 
“ that  Prohibition,  so  far  as  cutting  out  the  saloon  is  concerned, 
“ is  regarded  as  a good  thing  in  Kauai. 

“ Hawaii  has  another  Prohibition  Island  to  point  to,  an 
“ island  where  Prohibition  prohibits,  where  the  manufacture, 
“ sale  and  importation  are  prohibited,  and  where  it  has  done  and 
“ is  doing  good.  That  is  the  little  island  of  Lanai. 

“On  Lanai,  prohibition  prohibits;  it  has  proved  itself  for 
“ the  good  of  the  whole  people  of  Lanai  and  the  people  of  Lanai 
“ know  a good  thing  when  they  have  it. 

“ Lanai  is  a little  island,  with  few  people  on  it,  but  it  has 
“ shown  itself  big  enough  to  disprove  all  the  theories  of  the  anti- 
“ prohibitionists.” 

New  Hebrides. — In  October,  1906,  a Convention  was  held 
in  London  of  Representatives  of  Great  Britain  and  France,  with 
a view  to  settling  the  difficulties  in  reference  to  the  liquor  traffic 
and  other  matters  In  the  New  Hebridean  group  of  islands  in  the 
Western  Pacific  Ocean.  The  following  is  the  text  of  the  agree- 
ment which  deals  with  the  liquor  traffic  : — 

“ Article  LIX  : (i)  From  the  date  when  the  present  Conven- 
“ tion  comes  into  operation  no  person  shall,  in  the  New  Hebrides. 
“ including  the  Banks  and  Torres  Island,  and  within  the  terrl- 
“ torial  waters  of  the  Group,  sell  or  supply  intoxicating  liquors 
“ to  the  natives  in  any  form  and  on  any  pretext  whatsoever. 
“ (2)  .'Mcoholic  drugs  or  cordials  employed  in  case  of  disease  or 
“ sickness  are  not  included  in  the  present  prohibition.  (3)  The 
“ present  Prohibition  shall  cover  spirits,  beer,  wine,  and  gener- 
“ ally  all  fermented  and  intoxicating  liquors.” 


323 


Pitcairn. — In  1789  the  Mutiny  of  the  “Bounty”  took  place, 
and  Fletcher  Christian,  a young  man  who  was  one  of  the  leaders, 
eventually  settled  with  a number  of  the  mutineers  on  the  Pitcairn 
Island.  One  of  the  first  enactments  adopted  by  this  band  of 
mutineers  was  the  following  : — 

“ No'  person  or  persons  shall  be  allowed  to  get  spirits  of  any 
“ sort  from  any  vessel.  No  intoxicating  liquors  whatever  shall 
“ be  allowed  to  be  taken  on  shore,  unless  for  medicinal  pur- 
“ poses.  ” 

The  Island  was  visited  at  various  times,  when  several 
Captains  of  British  ships  reported  the  progress  of  this  small 
community  living  without  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors.  One 
officer  states  : — 

“ The  agility  and  strength  of  these  natives  were  so  great 
“ that  the  stoutest  and  most  expert  English  sailors  were  no  match 
“ for  them  in  wrestling  and  boxing.” 

Captain  Worth,  who  visited  Pitcairn  in  1848,  states  : — 

“ I never  was  so  gratified  as  by  my  visit,  and  would  rather 
“ have  gone  there  than  to  any  part  of  the  world.  They  are  the 
“ most  interesting,  contented,  and  happy  people  that  can  be  con- 
“ ceived.  The  comfort,  peace,  strict  morality,  industry,  exces- 
“ ive  cleanliness  and  neatness  apparent  about  them,  were  really 
“such  as  I was  not  prepared  to  witness;  their  learning  and 
“ attainments  in  general  education  and  information  are  astonish- 
“ ing;  the  men  and  women  are  a fine  race,  and  their  manners 
“are  of  a really  superior  order — ever  smiling  and  joyous;  but 
“ one  mind  and  one  wish  seemed  to  actuate  them  all.  Crime 
“appears  to  be  unknown;  and  if  there  is  really  true  happiness 
“ on  earth,  it  is  surely  theirs.  The  island  is  romantic  and  beauti- 
“ ful ; the  soil  of  the  richest  description,  yielding  almost  every 
“ fruit  and  vegetable.  In  short,  it  is  a little  Paradise.” 

The  Island  has  been  visited  many  times  since  then,  and  all 
who  go  to  see  the  descendants  of  the  mutineers  of  the  “Bounty,” 
marvel  at  the  order,  happiness  and  prosperity  which  abounds 
among  the  people.  The  fact  is  sometimes  overlooked  that  for 
nearly  125  years  Pitcairn  Island  has  been  under  entire  Pro- 
hibition of  the  liquor  traffic  thoroughly  enforced. 

Tutulia. — This  is  one  of  the  Samoan  group  of  islands, 
under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  and  for  several  years 
the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  to  the  natives  has  been  prohibited. 
It  is  stated  that  the  law  is  fairly  well  enforced,  and  one  writer 
states:  “The  natives  being  unaccustomed  tO'  the  use  of  alcohol 
they  are  fully  content  to  live  without  it.” 


324 


The  Society  Islands. — In  an  interesting  work  entitled 
“ Malayisa  and  the  Pacific  Archipelagoes,”  published  in  1908, 
the  writers,  Messrs.  F.  H.  H.  Guillemand,  M. D.,  and  A.  H. 
Keane,  LL.B.,  state; — 

‘‘  One  chief  cause,  probably,  of  the  decreasing  numbers  of 
‘‘  these  people  is  the  prevalence  of  the  habits  of  intoxication,  in 
‘‘  which  they  indulge  as  a substitute  for  the  dance  and  song  and 
‘‘  varied  amusements  so  injudiciously  forbidden  by  the  mission- 
” aries.  A recent  French  traveller,  M.  Jules  Gamier,  informs  us 
‘‘  that  the  Tahitians  now  seek  the  more  sensual  pleasure  of  in- 
” toxication,  unenlivened  by  the  social  enjoyments  of  their 
‘‘  ancient  festivals.  Most  fatal  gift  of  all,  they  have  been  taught 
‘‘  to  ferment  the  juice  of  the  orange,  so  abundant  and  delicious 
” in  their  island  home,  and  thus  produce  a liquor  with  which  to 
‘‘  obtain  the  pleasures  and  the  penalties  of  intoxication,  which 
“ men,  women  and  children  alike  enjoy  and  suffer.  The  orange 
” has  been  for  these  people  as  the  forbidden  fruit  of  the  garden 
‘‘  of  Eden — the  tree  of  good  and  of  evil.” 

Western  Pacific. — For  many  years  the  British  Govern- 
ment has  prohibited  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  to  the  natives 
in  all  the  Western  Pacific  Islands  not  within  the  limits  of  the 
Colonies  of  Fiji,  Australia,  or  Papua.  As  far  back  as  1888  a 
Regulation  to  that  effect  was  issued  throughout  the  following 
Islands:  Friendly,  Navigators,  Union,  Phoenix,  Ellice,  Gilbert, 
Solomon,  New  Hebrides,  Santa  Cruz,  etc.,  in  which  it  was 
declared  : — 

‘‘  If  any  British  subject  in  the  Western  Pacific  sells  or 
‘‘gives  or  otherwise  supplies  either  directly  or  indirectly  any 
‘‘  native  of  any  island  or  place  within  the  Western  Pacific  Islands 
“ any  intoxicating  liquors  he  shall  on  conviction  thereof  be 
‘‘liable  to  punishment  as  follows: — (i)  Imprisonment  for  any 
‘‘  term  not  exceeding  three  months,  with  or  without  hard 
‘‘  labour,  and  with  or  without  a fine  not  exceeding  ;^io  ($50);  or 
‘‘  (2)  A fine  alone  not  exceeding  ;^io  ($50).  ‘ Native  ’ shall 

‘‘  mean  and  include  in  its  reference  every  person  in  the  Western 
‘‘  Pacific  not  of  European  descent.  ‘ Intoxicating  liquors  ’ shall 
‘‘  include  all  spirituous  compounds,  and  all  fermented  liquor  and 
‘‘  any  mixture  or  preparation  containing  any  drug  capable  of 
“ producing  intoxication.” 


CHAPTER  IV 


The  Dominion  of  New  Zealand 


“ Local  Option  is  only  a stepping-stone  and  an  educational  movement, 
and  the  duty  of  the  men  and  women  of  New  Zealand  is  to  get  hold  of  the 
Ifiquor  traffic  and  strangle  it  by  carrying  the  national  prohibition  of  the 
importation,  manufacture,  and  sale  of  alcoholic  liquor.  The  liquor  traffic  is 
almost  as  insolent  in  its  pride  to-day  as  it  was  fifteen  years  ago.  Its  wealth 
is  increasing  daily.  Its  political  power  is  almost  as  great  as  ever.  Why 
should  we  keep  our  Christianity  outside  the  sphere  of  practical  politics  ? 
The  open  liquor  saloon  is  more  potent  than  the  school,  the  Church,  and  the 
home  combined,  , If  they  want  to  get  hold  of  the  boys  and  make  them  good 
citizens  they  must  prohibit  the  liquor  traffic.  • No  doubt  there  are  other 
urgent  reforms  needing  settlement,  but  the  evils  of  the  liquor  traffic  are  so 
enormous  that  they  must  be  removed  if  the  other  necessary  reforms  are  to 
be  effective.  The  one  great  crime  for  men  and  women  in  the  face  of  these 
evils  is  apathy  and  indifference." — Tom  E,  Taylor,  M.P.,  Mayor  of  Christ- 
church, N.Z.  {1910). 


The  Dominion  of  New  Zealand  was  the  first  of  the  Colonies 
in  Australasia  to  adopt  the  principle  of  a popular  vote  over  the 
issue  or  renewal  of  licences  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors. 
The  first  poll  was  held  in  1894,  when  48,993  voted  for  no-licence, 
and  over  100,000  in  favour  of  the  liquor  traffic.  So  many  defects 
were  found  in  the  Local  Option  Act,  that  the  New  Zealand  Par- 
liament in  1894  made  some  very  radical  changes,  giving  a vote 
to  every  adult  (male  and  female),  and  arranging  for  a poll  to  be 
taken  in  connection  with  every  General  Election  for  Members  to 
the  Dominion  Parliament. 

Under  the  new  law  five  great  struggles  took  place,  resulting 
in  a steady  increase  in  the  vote  for  no-licence,  until  (in  1908)  there 
was  a clear  majority  of  33,331  against  the  liquor  traffic.  The 
voting  at  each  of  these  contests  was  as  follows  : — 


Year. 

Continuance. 

Reduction. 

No- Licence. 

1896 

139.580 

94.555 

98,312 

1899 

143,962 

109.449 

120,542 

1902 

148,449 

132,249 

151.524 

1905 

182,884 

151.057 

198,765 

1908 

118,140 

162,562 

221,471 

It  will  be  seen  from  these  figures  that  in  the  first  twO'  con- 
tests the  liquor  traffic  had  a majority  of  41,268  in  1896,  and  23,420 
in  1899.  The  majorities  then  changed  in  favour  of  no-licence. 
In  1902  it  was  3,075,  in  1905  it  had  increased  to  15,881  and  in 
1908  to  33,331.  In  48  districts  a clear  majority  was  given  in 


326 


favour  of  no-licence  but  under  the  three-fifths  rule  the  liquor 
traffic  continued.  In  12  districts  no-licence  was  carried  by  the 
three-fifths  majority  and  the  liquor  saloons  closed.  In  only  16 
out  of  the  76  districts  were  the  liquor  traffickers  able  to  secure  a 
majority  in  their  favour. 

In  1909  a great  demand  was  made  to  the  Dominion 
Government  in  favour  of  a poll  being  permitted  for 
National  Prohibition,  and  in  1910  a Measure  was  passed 
through  the  Dominion  Parliament  which  repealed  the  old 
local  option  Act  and  the  Reduction  Clauses.  The  new  Act 
decided  that  two  ballot  papers  should  be  given  to  each 
voter,  one  for  or  against  continuance,  or  national  prohibition, 
and  the  other,  for  or  against  continuance,  or  no-licence.  The 
first  contest  was  fixed  to  take  place  at  the  1911  general  election. 
To  carry  either  National  Prohibition  or  no-licence  60  per  cent.,  of 
those  who  vote  must  be  in  favour.  If  Prohibition  is  carried  a 
time  notice  of  four  years  is  given  to  the  liquor  traffic  before  the 
saloons  will  be  closed.  When  Prohibition  goes  into  force  it  will 
be  illegal  for  any  person  “ to  import,  make,  have,  or  sell  alco- 
holic liquors,  except  for  scientific,  industrial,  medicinal  or  sacra- 
mental purposes.”  When  no-licence  is  carried  it  goes  into  force 
at  once  and  all  liquor  saloons  in  that  district  have  to  close  at  the 
end  of  the  licence  year.  In  neither  case  is  there  any  financial 
compensation  given. 

By  the  new  law  it  was  made  illegal  for  any  one  under  21  years 
of  age  to  purchase  liquor  at  a licensed  liquor  bar.  The  employ- 
ment of  barmaids  was  prohibited,  except  in  the  case  of  those 
already  employed  and  registered.  The  attempt  to  permit  liquor 
saloons  being  placed  in  the  prohibited  area,  ‘‘The  King’s 
Country,”  in  which  the  Maoris  live,  was  so  strongly  opposed 
that  the  proposal  was  abandoned. 

The  first  contest  for  National  Prohibition  and  Local  no- 
licence under  the  new  law  took  place  in  November,  1911.  The 
result  was  most  gratifying  to  the  Temperance  party,  although 
owing  to  the  great  handicap  of  the  three-fifths  requirement  neither 
National  Prohibition  nor  any  additional  places  were  carried  for 
>no4icence.  Out  of  76  districts  no  less  than  67  gave  a majority 
in  favour  of  National  Prohibition,  and  only  nine  were  in  favour 
of  the  liquor  traffic.  The  total  poll  was  as  follows  : — 

Total  National  Prohibition.  Majorit)'  Districts. 

Electorate.  For.  Ag-ainst.  For.  For.  Against. 

590,042  259,943  205,661  54.-S2  67  9 

While  the  poll  showed  a clear  majority  of  54,282  in  favour 
of  National  Prohibition,  overwhelming  as  it  was,  it  was  4.17  per 


327 


cent.,  short  of  the  required  majority  of  6o  per  cent.,  fixed  by  the 
Act.  It  is,  however,  gratifying  to  know  that  no  less  than  55.83 
per  cent.,  of  the  electors  voted  against  the  liquor  traffic,  and  in 
favour  of  National  Prohibition. 

It  is  also  very  satisfactory  to  note  from  the  returns  that  in 
each  of  the  No-Licence  districts  (with  the  single  exception  of 
Ashburton,  where  the  boundaries  had  been  altered),  a consider- 
able majority  was  given  in  favour  of  Prohibition,  showing  that  the 
people,  after  several  years’  trial  of  Prohibition,  were  satisfied 
with  the  results  and  would  have  extended  it  to  the  whole  country. 
The  vote  in  the  12  no-licence  areas  was  as  follows  ; — 


Electorate 

Total 

National  Prohibition 

Majority 

District 

No. 

of  Electors 

For 

Against 

For  Against 

Ashburton 

7,084 

2,795 

2,986 

191 

Bruce 

6,633 

3.069 

2,421 

648 

Cluth 

6,235 

2,742 

2,019 

723 

iiden 

8,150 

4.384 

2,074 

2,310 

Grey  Lynn 

8>536 

4.782 

1.978 

2,804 

Invercargill 

8,643 

3.941 

3,220 

721 

Masterton 

7,292 

3.062 

2.764 

298 

Mataura 

6,627 

2,888 

2,320 

568 

Oamaru  ... 

7,194 

3.365 

2,760 

605 

Ohinemuri 

7.413 

3.266 

2,687 

579 

Wellington 

South 

9,067 

4.189 

2,774 

1,415 

Wellington 

Suburbs 

7,432 

3.374 

2,460 

914 

Totals 

90,306 

41.857 

30,463 

11.585  191 

It  is  often  stated  that  while  the  population  of  rural  areas 
might  vote  for  Prohibition,  a majority  of  the  people  in  urban 
areas  would  never  support  such  a drastic  method  of  dealing  with 
the  liquor  traffic.  There  are  many  large  centres  of  population  in 
various  countries  where  the  people  have  suppressed  the  sale  of 
intoxicating  liquors,  and  each  of  the  large  cities  of  New  Zealand 
voted  by  substantial  majorities  in  favour  of  Prohibition.  Similar 
majorities  were  also  cast  against  the  liquor  traffic  at  the  two  pre- 
vious no-licence  contests.  The  vote  cast  for  and  against  National 
Prohibition  in  November,  1911,  was  as  follows  : — 


City. 

Total  No. 
of  Voters. 

National  Prohibition. 
For.  Against. 

Majority 

For. 

Auckland 

...  28,545 

11,283 

10,297 

986 

Christchurch  ... 

...  27,763 

12,268 

10,668 

1,600 

Dunedin 

...  38,111 

17,841 

13.484 

4.357 

W ellington 

■■■  48,153 

18,806 

16,320 

2,486 

Totals  

...142,572 

60, 198 

50,769 

9.429 

328 


In  the  vote  for  National  Prohibition  the  following  electorates 
secured  the  6o  per  cent. , in  favour  of  Prohibition,  but  owing  to 
there  being  twO'  ballot  papers  and  the  issue  thereby  confused, 
local  no-licence  was  not  secured  : — 


Electorate.  Per  cent. 
Buller  61.11 

Eden  67.88 

Egrnont  64  45 

Grey  Lynn  70.73 


Electorate.  Per  cent. 
Marsden  61.52 

Oroua  60.40 

Patea  62,35 

Port  Chalmers  61.63 

Welling-ton  South  60.16 


Electorate  Per  cent. 
Raglan  63.04 

Stratford  60.82 

Taranaki  60.79 

Waikato  61.51 


Statements  having  been  made  that  intoxicating  liquor  “is 
poured  into  the  Prohibition  areas  in  abundance,  with  little,  if 
indeed,  any  abatement,’’  Sir  Joseph  Ward,  M.P.,  Prime  Min- 
ister of  New  Zealand,  was  requested  to  secure  a return  showing 
the  amount  of  liquor  sent  into  no-licence  districts.  This  return, 
together  with  a full  return  showing  the  total  consumption  of 
liquor  in  the  licensed  district,  was  laid  upon  the  table  of  the  New 
Zealand  Parliament  on  Oct.  yth,  igio,  being  for  the  year  ending 
June  30th,  1910,  and  was  as  follows  : — 


Liquor  sent  into  Per  head.  Per  adult.  Per  lamil)-. 

Licence  districts  ...  12  gallons  22.7  gallons  60  gallons. 
No-licence  districts  ...  2.1  ,,  3.5  ,,  10.5  ,, 

The  Otago  Daily  Times,  in  a leading  article  of  March  17th, 
1911,  said  in  reference  to  this  return  : — 

“ After  all  the  return  laid  before  Parliament  last  session, 
“ and  now  printed  as  a State  paper  ....  made  it  clear  that  the 
“ disclosed  consumption  per  head  in  those  no-licence  districts  is 
“only  a fraction  of  the  average  consumption  per  head  of  the 
“ whole  Dominion.’’ 


The  Dominion  drink  bill  amounted  in  1910  to  ;^3  13s.  id. 
($17)  per  head,  but  the  return  showed  that  in  licence  districts  it 
was  ;^4  3s.  ($20)  while  in  the  no-licence  districts  it  was  only 
i6s.  6d.  ($4). 

New  Zealand  having  shown  that  it  wanted  Prohibition  but 
had  been  robbed  of  it  by  unfair  conditions  the  Temperance  party 
have  determined  to  fight  for  an  alteration  of  the  law  in  favour 
of  a bare  majority  to  settle  the  liquor  question  as  it  settles  all 
other  questions  in  the  Dominion.  In  June,  1912,  a very  large  and 
influential  deputation  waited  upon  the  then  Prime  Minister,  Mr.  J. 
Mackenzie,  M.P.,  being  introduced  by  Mr.  L.  M.  Isitt,  M.P. 
Seventy  electorates  were  represented. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Comrie  (Wellington)  said  that  they  repre- 
sented the  party  that  polled  250,000  votes  for  National  Prohibi- 
tion at  the  last  election.  Having  grown  steadily  during  twenty- 
five  years,  the  Alliance  had  now  a majority  of  53,000  voters  in  the 


329 


Dominion  as  a whole,  and  a majority  of  votes  cast  in  67  electo- 
rates out  of  76  electorates  at  last  election.  They  asked  that  the 
licensing  law  provision  which  required  that  60  per  cent,  of  votes 
should  be  cast  in  favour  of  Local  Option  or  National  Prohibition 
should  be  repealed,  and  that  a bare  majority  should  be  made  suffi- 
cient to  secure  the  determination  of  licences  or  the  restoration  of 
licences,  as  the  case  might  be.  They  also  asked  that  the  period 
of  four  years  which  must  elapse  under  existing  law  before 
National  Prohibition  would  come  into  operation  should  be  con- 
siderably reduced. 

Mr.  W.  J.  Speight  (Auckland)  said  that  the  deputation  repre- 
sented every  part  of  the  Dominion,  and  people  who  were  members 
of  no  party.  They  felt  that  they  were  speaking  on  behalf  of  a 
majority  of  voters  in  the  Dominion.  They  represented  no-  party, 
but  the  gradual  trend  of  thought  with  members  of  the  Alliance 
was  that  unless  the  existing  parties  met  the  desires  of  the  Al- 
liance, it  would  be  necessary  to  form  an  entirely  distinct  party, 
and  sacrifice  the  existing  parties.  It  had  been  said  that  the  anti- 
liquor agitation  was  a disturbing  influence  in  politics.  This  was 
true,  and  the  disturbance  would  continue  until  the  reforms  advo- 
cated by  the  Alliance  had  been  carried  into  effect.  Mr.  Speight 
strongly  championed  the  bare  majority  proposal,  contending  that 
it  was  wrong  to  adopt  any  other  method  in  a referendum  than  that 
used  in  electing  members  of  Parliament.  The  Alliance  would  be 
a disturbing  influence  in  politics  until  it  received  the  meed  of  jus- 
tice it  was  asking  for — and  equal  value  for  every  vote.  They 
claimed  this  as  a democratic  right.  Whether  the  present 
Ministry  or  any  other  helped  them,  they  would  proceed  and  see 
this  thing  through  to  the  end. 

Mr.  Mackenzie  (the  Prime  Minister)  replied  that  the  Cabinet 
had  decided  that  licensing  legislation  would  not  be  dealt  with 
at  present.  Personally  he  was  against  a bare  majority  settling 
such  an  important  question. 

A few  weeks  later  the  Government  were  defeated  and  a new 
Government  formed  under  the  Premiership  of  the  Hon.  F.  W. 
Massey,  M.P.,  to  whom  the  Temperance  party  appealed  in  vain 
for  justice  and  fair  play.  A Bill  to  remove  the  inequality  of  the 
three-fifths  majority  was  introduced  by  a private  Member,  but 
was  defeated  by  a majority  of  ten  votes. 

The  Temperance  Party,  after  mature  consideration,  deter- 
mined to  organise  in  preparation  for  the  next  General  Election, 
which  takes  place  in  1914,  and  the  following  pledge  is  being 
extensively  signed  by  electors  throughout  the  country  : — 


330 


“ I hereby  give  my  pledge  that,  regardless  of  Party,  I will 
“ not  at  the  next  election  vote  for  any  candidate  for  Parliament 
“ who  will  not  undertake,  if  elected,  to  do  his  utmost  to  remove 
“ or  at  least  substantially  reduce  the  present  unfair  handicap  on 
“ both  the  issues  of  No-licence  and  National  Prohibition.” 

The  Committee  of  the  New  Zealand  Alliance,  in  their 
Annual  Report  for  1912-13,  protest  most  emphatically  against 
the  necessity  of  the  sober  community  being  handicapped  by  the 
three-fifths  majority,  and  state  : — 

‘‘  The  people  are  staggered  when  the  truth  comes  home  to 
” them  that  we  have  for  twenty  years  had  a fifty  per  cent,  handi- 
‘‘  cap  on  our  vote,  and,  when  they  realise  that  although  71  of 
‘‘  the  76  electorates  have  during  those  years  each  had  a majority 
‘‘  vote  against  the  liquor  traffic,  some  of  them  several  times, 
” we  have  had  an  effective  vote  in  only  12  of  the  76.  When  it 
‘‘  is  pointed  out  to  them  that  we  had  a majority  of  over  3,000  in 
‘‘  1902,  15,000  in  1905,  33,000  in  1908,  and  54,000  in  1911,  and 
” that  the  traffic  exists  on  a 44.18  per  cent,  as  against  a 55.82 
” per  cent,  vote,  they  declare  that  it  is  time  not  only  to  protest 
‘ ‘ but  to  act.  ” 

The  Committee  therefore  appeal  to  the  people  to  rise  against 
this  injustice,  concluding  as  follows  : — 

‘‘  We  are  satisfied  that  we  have  in  the  Democratic  Vote 
” Campaign  not  only  a method  but  the  master-method  for  secur- 
‘‘  ing  justice  at  the  ballot-box.  If  men  will  vote  as  they  pray, 
‘‘  vote  as  they  love,  vote  as  they  desire  in  their  best  moments, 
‘‘  vote  as  for  God,  Home,  and  Humanity,  then  we  are  near  the 
” end  of  the  liquor  traffic  in  New  Zealand,  and  justice  to  the 
‘‘  dead  and  protection  for  the  living  demand  that  it  shall  die 
‘‘  soon.  ” 


Index 


PAGE 

Aarrestad,  Ex-Minister  57 

Aarseth,  Ivar  Th 60 

Aasen,  Ivar  60 

Abbey,  John  221,  238 

Aboriginal  Natives  312,  315,  317 

Absinthe  Prohibition  110,  115,  129 

Abyssinia 215 

Adamson,  Sir  Harvey  183 

"Affsecles  Union"  82 

Africa 14,  203,  205,  206,  207 

Aftonpost 216 

Age  Limit  74,  98,  134,  189,  256,  297, 

301,  312,  315,  317,  326 

Aguero,  Dr.  Giro  303 

Alabama 269,  270,  287 

Albricias,  Rev.  F 124 

Alberta  263 

Alcoholic  Commission  (S.A.)  ...  246,  247,  248 

Alcoholic  Commission  (Budapest)  104 

Alden,  M.P.,  Percy  104 

Alexander,  Crown  Prince  (Servia)  ...  143 

Algeciras  Conference  213,  214 

Algeria  209,  210 

Alkoholmerkblatt  90 

All-India  Temperance  Conference  179 

Alsace-Lorraine  86,  90 

Amaldi,  Dr 132 

America 189,  249 

American  Civil  War  269 

American  Temperance  Society  268 

Ando,  Taro  187 

Andrado,  Jesuit  Antonio  185 

Andresson,  Rev.  M 50 

Anglo-Indian  Temperance  Association...  168 

Angola 232,  233 

Annam  184 

Anti-Alcoholic  Congress  ...  14,  19,  78,  95,  96, 

112,  132 

Anti-Alcoholic  League  120,  302 

Anti-Canteen  Law  272 

Anti-Saloon  League  (U.S.A.)  246,  268 

Antisdel,  Rev.  C.  B 224 

Antwerp  113 

Arabia  and  Arabians  4,  147,  148 

Arangalovitch,  M 143 

Aranjo,  Rev.  Carlos  124 

Araujo,  Don  M.  E 23 

Argentine  299 

Arizona  291 

Arkansas 287 

Army  and  Navy  ...30,  54,  72,  78,  84,  96,98,  103, 
267,  272,  279,  301 
Artizans'  Labour  General  Dwellings  Co.  32 

Arullani,  Dr 134 

Ashantee  226 

Asia  145,  147,  150,  151,  179 

Asquith,  Mr.  H.  H 34,  35 

Atlanta 270 

Australia 12,  13,  14,  23,  196 

Australian  Commonwealth  305,  307,  308,  309 

Australian  Federal  Capitol  307-510 

Australian  States,  The  311 

Austria  94,  95,  97,  129 

Austria-Hungary  22,  94,  203 

Austria  Silesia  94 

Austrian  Poland  106,  107 

Azcarate,  Don  J 122 

Bahamas  297 

Baker,  Rev.  P.  A 279 

Baldwin,  Theo.  College  154 

Balkan  States  139,  140 


PAGE 

Baltic  Provinces  81,  82 

Band  of  Hope  Movement  14 

Banks  Island  322 

Barakut,  Madam  150 

Barmaids  123,  196,  312,  315,  317,  318 

Barrett,  Samuel  218 

Basutoland 217 

Batchelor,  Hon.  1 320 

Bauer,  Dr.  Otto  89 

Bauerjee,  Sir  G 164 

Bavaria  90,  140 

Beauclere,  G 321 

Bechuanaland  218 

Beecher,  Dr.  Lyman  38,  268 

Beer  Bill  (1830)  28 

Belgium  21,  40,  110,  112,  113,  114,  115,  203,  205 

Belgrade,  University  of  143 

Belsay,  Prohibition  in 32 

Bengal  163,  164,  165,  170 

Bennett,  E.  N 136,  137,  138 

Bentham,  Jeremy  ig 

Bergen  57,  60 

Bertillon,  Dr 116,  118 

Besant,  Mrs.  A 195 

Bhattacharya,  A 179 

Bill  of  Rights 8 

Bjorkman,  A 61 

Bjornsson,  Dr 50 

“Black  Peril,”  The  242,  246 

Blue  Cross  Association  89,  120,  127 

Bolag  59,  61,  66,  67 

Bolani,  Prohibition  in  32 

Bolivia  300 

Bombay  163,  164,  165,  167,  170,  196 

Bonner,  Miss  99 

Bosnia  99,  143 

Boston,  Mass 13 

Botha,  General 23 

"Bounty”  Mutiny  323 

Bourgeois,  M 118 

Boyce,  Rev.  Archdeacon  307,  313 

Boyes,  C.  E 218 

Brahmins 3^  16I 

Bratt,  Dr.  Ivan ’ 63 

Brazil  300 

Brend,  Pastor  A 45 

Briand,  M 116 

Bright,  John  33 

Brisbane  Hospital 309 

Brissolali,  Signor  134 

British  Columbia  254,  263 

British  East  Africa  216 

British  Guiana  300 

British  Isles 12,  31 

British  North  America  251 

British  West  Africa  206 

Broad,  Miss  Lucy  192 

Brubaker,  W.  A n 

Brussels  12,  21,  114,  203,  206 

Brussels  Conference  205,  206  , 208 

Brussels  General  Act  203,  207,  223 

Buchanan,  W.  W 264,  265 

Buckingham,  J.  S 28 

Budapest  12,  99,  102,  104 

Buddha  4,  141,  161.  171,  180,  184,  187 

Buddhists  3,  171,  172,  174,  175,  176, 

179,  180,  184 

Buenos  Aires  303 

Bulgaria  140 

Bulgarian  Temperance  Federation  141 

Burma  ...  163,  171,  179,  180,  181,  182,  183,  184 

Burma  Gazette 182 

Buxton,  Chas 31 


332 


PAGE 

Cafierata,  Dr.  J.  F 299 

Caine,  W.  S 165,  181 

Cairo  212,  213 

Calcutta  High  Court  164,  170,  196 

California 291 

California  Grape  Growers’  Union  131 

Calred,  Dr.  D 299 

Cambodia  184 

Canada  13,  14,  108,  252,  253 

Canadian  Royal  TemyXar  256 

Cann,  Rev.  H.  H 316 

Canteens  119,  308 

Cape  Argus  241 

Cape  Barren  Island 311 

Cape  Colony  236 

Cape  Parliament  236,  237 

Cape  Town  23,  236,  242 

Cape  Verdi  Islands  232 

Carlyle,  Thos 209 

Carribean  Sea  Islands  298 

Carruthers,  J.  H 311 

Carteret,  Lord  28 

Castberg,  M 53,  59 

Catholic  Primate  of  Belgium  113 

Central  Africa  215 

Central  America 295,  297 

Central  China  Post  156 

Ceylon  13,  171-179 

Ceylon  Government  Gazette  175 

Chai  Ryeng  192 

Chang,  General  159,  160 

Channel  Islands  39 

Chelyshoff,  M 76 

Chetty,  Hon.,  R.B.P.Th 166 

Chili  301 

China  ...  3,  4,  13,  24,  149,  152-160,  163  186,  196 

Chinese  4,  24,  156,  200 

Chinese  National  Opium  Prohibition 

Union  159,  160 

Chinese  Students’  'Monthly  157 

Christian,  Fletcher  323 

Christiania  12,  56,  57,  58 

Christianity  and  Drink  141.  170.  172, 

174,  184,  215 

Cities,  American  Prohibition  274 

Clark,  Dr.  G.  B 268 

Clarke,  Chief  .lustice  270 

Cleveland  (Ohio)  13 

Clubs  284,  312,  315 

Coates,  Mrs 304 

Cochin  China  179,  184 

Colombo  172,  174,  175,  176 

Colorado 292 

Coloured  People  and  Alcohol  228,  236,  239,  242 

Columbia  302 

Commerce  Act  (Australia)  309 

Comrie,  Rev.  J.  W 328 


Connaught,  H.R.H.  The  Duke  of  219 

Connecticut  275 

Constantinople  149,  151,  209 

Cooper,  W.  D 199 

Cordeaux,  H.  E.  S 217 

Cosine,  Colony  of  303 

Cossezo,  Secre-Gen 296 

County  Court  (.Vraendment)  Act  29 

Cox,  S.  S 209 

Cracow  105,  106,  107 

Creel,  Senor  Don  E 296 

Crewe,  Lord  160,  168,  169,  229 

Crime  and  Prohibition  68,  261.  266.  270,  288 

Criminological  Congress  76 

Croatia  143 

Crome,  Capt 230 

Crowther.  Rev.  .Vrchdeacon  228 

Curson,  Lord  166 

Czar  of  Russia  78.  80 

D’ Arriaga.  Manuel  22,  126 

Dagga  .Smoking  248 

Daily  Chronicle  (London)  75.  212  1 


PAGE 

Daily  Citizen  (London)  53,  117 

Daily  Mirror  (London)  114 

Daily  News  (London)  77 

Daily  Times  (Olago)  328 

Daintsch,  Dr 143 

Dalhafi,  Rev.  N.  C 41 

Dane,  Sir  L 164 

Daum,  Dr.  Adolf 105 

Davidson,  Rev.  Dr 316 

Davis,  Judge'-Advocate  G.  E 272 

Dearing,  Rev.  John  L 189,  190,  191 

Delaney,  Gen 235 

Delavan,  E.  C 268 

Delaware  280 

Delfino,  Dr.  Victor  299 

Dellett,  Albert  297 

Denizard,  Mile.  Marie  117 

Denman,  Lady  308 

Denman,  Lord  24 

Denmark  13,  14,  40,  41,  44-46,  63,  72 

Denmark,  King  of  41,  45,  51 

Denmark  Liquor  Commission  41 

Der  Abstinent  Arbeiter 130 

Des  Alkoholgegner  300 

Deutsch,  Dr.  Hugo  97 

Dharnapali,  H 171 

Die  Alkoholfrage 96,  125 

“Disinterested  Management’’...  39,  59,  61,  196 

District  of  Columbia  267,  279 

Doczi,  Dr.  Imrie  104 

Domselaar,  C.  van  304 

Donovan,  D 24 

Dow,  General  Neal  275 

Duckett,  Rev.  C.  V 60 

Dundee  Advertiser  116 

Dunmore,  Miss  296 

East  Africa 215 

Ecroyd,  Aifred  R 124,  125 

Ecroyd,  Russell  125 

Ecuador  302 

Edgar,  Dr.  John  38 

Edinburgh  Missionary  Conference  205 

Egypt  ' 13,  209.  211 

Eklund,  Hon.  Oskar 67 

El  Abstemio  124.  125 

El  Alcoholismo  299 

El  Salvador  23 

Ellice  Island  324 

Elliot,  Capt 153 

Ellis,  Geo.  D 231 

Eluteria,  The  106-109 

Employers  of  Labour  86 

Encyclopcedia  Britannica  ...  141,  144,  147.  211 
England  ...  14,  33,  115,  159,  160,  168.  170,  178 

Eriksson,  Mr 61 

Etchepare,  Dr.  B 303,  504 

Europe  5,  7,  11.  13.  53.  150,  151,  189.  196 

Extent  of  Prohibition  (U.S..A.)  267 

Fallieres.  M 57 

Faroe  Islands  41,  45 

Fernando,  Dr 174,  I'id 

Ferriaii.  Signor  136 

Fiji  321.  324 

Financial  World  271 

Finch,  John  B 267 

Finland  13,  53,  72,  73,  75,  78-81,  109 

Finlayson,  IV.  F 309 

Firminy,  Mayor  of  118 

Fisher,  .Andrew  307 

Florida  288 

"Forbes-Mackenzies”  .A.ct  29 

France  13.  40.  80,  110,  115,  116.  117  119. 

195,  203.  205,  210,  222,  322 

Fraternal  Societies  273 

French  .\bsinthe  Prohibition  Bill  110 

French  .Vcademy  of  Medicine  115 

French  Bourse  57 

French  East  Africa  220 

French  West  Africa  230 


333 


p<iaB 

French  Republic  58 

Friendly  Islands 324 

Fuch,  Dr 83 

Gain,  Colonel  316 

Galicia  106,  107,  109 

Gallart,  Dr.  Don  M 124,  125 

Gallifet,  General 119 

Galloway,  Bishop  C.  B 283 

Gambia 225 

Gambrell,  Rev.  H.  B 291 

Garden  City  Association  32 

Gaston,  E.  Page  13,  126,  246 

Georgia 269,  288 

German  Beer  Gardens  87,  88 

German  Central  Police  Office,  Munich  ...  88 

German  Congress : Children  and  Absti- 
nence   93 

German  East  Africa  220 

German  Embassy  21 

German  Emperor  84,  96 

German  Federation  Against  Alcoholism  90,  91 
German  Imperial  Board  of  Health  ...  84,  90 

German  Imperial  Statistical  Office  85 

German  Industrial  Congress  85 

German  Labour  Gazette  87 

German  National  Insurance  Act  ...  84,  89,  90 

German  Poland  106,  107 

German  Social  Democrats  87 

German  West  Africa  231 

German  Woodworkers'  Union  of  Bielefleld  85 
Germany  4,  13,  14,  21,  40,  80,  84,  86-89. 

91.  93,  101,  129,  140,  203,  205 

Gerzabek,  Dr.  B 107,  108,  109 

Gilbert  Island  324 

Giusti,  Professor  Ugo  135 

Gladstone,  Lord  23 

Globe  (London)  75 

Gokhale,  Hon.  G.  K 161,  168 

Goldie,  Sir  George  203,  227 

Gold  Coast  226,  229 

Goodtemplarbladet  60 

Good  Templar  Order  12,  90,  92,  136,  268 

Good  Templar  Watchword 88 

Gordon,  Ernest  67 

Gothenburg  System  63,  65,  66,  67,  70, 

79,  289,  300 

Grant,  Rev.  H.  R 257 

Grapegrowers'  Circular  131 

Gray,  Miss  Charlotte 12,  13,  99,  114,  120 

Great  Britain  21,  40,  45.  80,  84,  150.  152, 

168,  174,  186,  188,  195,  196,  203,  205,  322 

Greece  and  Greeks  4,  139.  144 

Greenland  41,  46 

Gregory,  Sir  Wm 174 

Grenfell.  Dr.  W.  T 263 

Grewingk,  Miss  Elisabeth  von  82 

Grev,  Sir  Edward  212 

Griffith,  H.  M.  B 225 

Grigorovitch,  Admiral  78 

Grubb,  Frederick  168 

Gudmundson,  Judge  50 

Guerin,  M.  Jules  116 

Guernsey  39 

Guinea,  Gulf  of  206 

Gumptowicz,  Dr 105 

Gunnarsson,  Banker  50 

Gurney,  Henry  206 

Hague,  The  12,  19,  40,  112,  132,  143 

Hahnel,  Herr  F 87,  90,  92 

Haiti  297,  298 

Halgjem,  Arne  53,  60 

Hansen,  Mr 84 

Harcourt,  L.  V.  ...  174,  175,  178,  206  , 228,  229 

Harcourt,  Sir  Wm 33 

Harford,  Dr.  C.  P 206 

Hause  Towns  90 

Hawaii  321 

H^dSvary,  Count  102 

Hedin,  Sir  Sven  186 


FACE 

Helenius-Sappala,  Dr 79,  81 

Herood,  Dr 58,  63,  127,  128,  131,  132 

Hereford,  Dean  of  302 

Hertzegovinia  99,  143 

Hessen,  State  of  80,  90 

Hessleholm  63 

Hewairtarne,  C.  A 179 

Hindu  169,  171,  184 

Hindustan  161 

Hirgenson,  Pastor  81 

Hobson,  Hon.  R.  P 287 

Holitscher,  Dr.  A 95,  99 

Holland 19,  40 

Hong  Kong  149,  153,  195-197 

Horley,  Rev.  W.  E 199 

Horne,  Rev.  C.  S 27 

Hotzendorf,  General  Baron  von  96 

Hull,  Judge  Advocate  John  A ^ ...  197 

Hungarian  Abstinent  Women’s  Union  ...  102 
Hungarian  Central  Statistical  Office  ...  104 

Hungary  94,  99,  101 

Hvidsten,  Johan  60 

Iceland  13,  46,  47,  72 

Idaho  292 

Illinois  283 

India  13,  14,  21.  150,  153.  154,  158,  161, 

163,  165,  167,  168.  169,  180, 
181,  185,  195,  196,  199 

Indiana 284 

Indians,  Sale  of  Liquor  to  272 

Indian  Witness 170 

Inebriety,  Society  Checking  

Insurance  Act  fBriti.sh)  14 

International  Federation,  Native  Races  206 

International  Good  Templar  80 

International  Prohibition  Confedera- 
tion   9,  13.  14.  112.  126 

International  Reform  Bureau  268 

International  State  Commerce  267,  271 

Intoxicating  Liquors  (Children)  Act  ...  30 

Iowa  269.  284 

Ireland  14,  24.  29,  38,  39 

Italy  7,  127,  131-136,  203,  205 

Italian  East  Africa  220 

Italian  Medical  Journal  134 

Italian  Temperance  Federation  134 

Ivory  Coast  230,  231 

Jaca,  Bi.shop  of  124 

Jameson,  Dr 236,  23'7 

•Japan  13,  187,  188,  191 

Japanese  .\rmy  Canteen  188 

Japan,  Education  188,  189,  191 

.Japan,  National  Temperance  League  ...  189 

Jassai.  Frau  Marie  102 

Jayatilaka,  D.  B 175,  176 

.Jersey 39 

Johannesburg  Chamber  of  Commerce  ...  243 

Johannesburg  Star  242,  244,  245 

.Johnson,  Henry  193 

,Johnsson,  Bjorn  51 

.Jonsson,  Rev.  Arni  50 

Johnston,  Sir  Harry  H 224,  302 

Kandyan  Chiefs  171 

Kansas  269.  284 

Karandikai.  Hon.  M 167 

Kasah,  Yuseth  Pasha  150 

Kassowitz,  Professor  95 

Keeloff,  Aladame  113 

Kellibrant,  Pastor  81 

Kelly,  Talbot  212 

Kentucky  288 

Kestler,  Otto  142 

Khama,  King  218,  219 

Kiaer,  A.  Th 56 

King,  J.  H 300 

Kingsley,  Miss  Mary  H 223 

Kitchener,  Lord  212 

Koran 4,  148,  209,  211 


334 


PAGE 

Korea  and  Koreans  187,  191-193 

Kragauyeratz  143 

Kramer,  M 77 

Krasnioarsk,  Archbishop  of  194 

Kristianssand  57 

Krogshus,  G 60 

Kvarnzelius.  S.  H 71 

L’ Abstinence  58,  80 

Labour  84  . 87,  97,  307,  308.  309 

Lacerda,  Dr.  .1.  B.  de 300 

Lafont,  JI 117,  118 

Lament,  W.  J 225 

Lancet,  The  (London)  132,  198,  199 

Landouzy,  Dr 119 

Lane,  Wm 303 

Lapez,  Senor  Diego  G 296 

Larset-Ledet,  L 42,  43 

Latin  American  Countries  299 

Laveleys,  Madam  112 

Lawson,  Sir  Wilfrid  33 

Leavett.  Mrs 15 

Lee,  W.  H 319 

Lees,  Dr.  F.  R 3.  9 

Legrain.  Dr 110 

Leite,  Dr.  Joaquin  126 

Letts  73,  82 

Licensing  Suspensory  Act  29 

Licensing  World  (London)  126 

Liberia  223,  231 

Liga  National  de  Temperantza  142 

Lindh,  Hon.  Aug 61 

Linthicum,  Dr.  G.  M 139 

Lippe  89 

Liquor  Company  System  53,  54,  55,  56. 

66,  80 

Liquor  in  No-Licence  Districts  328 

Liquor  Ordinance  (Transvaal)  ...  239,  240 

Lithuanian,  T.  A.  .Society  81 

Little,  H.  A 152 

Liverpool  29.  32,  160 

Livingstone,  Dr 219 

Ljunggren,  Augu.st  67 

London  12,  27,  32,  132,  160,  179 

London,  Bishop  of  206 

Longford,  M 192 

Louisiana  288 

Low  Country  Produce  Association  175 

Liibeck  89,  90,  91 

Luther,  Martin  4 

Lutheran  Pastors  73 

Luzzatti,  Signor  132,  133 

Mackay,  Colonel  K 319 

Mackenzie,  J 329 

Mackie,  J 232,  233 

Macmillan,  Rev.  John  39 

Madagascar  13,  221,  222 

Madero,  President  22,  296 

Madras  163,  165,  166 

Madrid  122-125 

Maine  31,  269,  275 

Major,  Hon.  Charles  321 

Malaysia  Message  198 

Malay  Peninsula  185,  195.  198 

Malay  States  199,  200 

Malins,  Joseph  12,  56,  148 

Manebester  Guardian  159 

Man,  Isle  of  39 

Manitoba  254.  264 

Maoris  and  Prohibition  326 

Maryland  280 

Masonic  Lodges  273 

Massachusetts  269,  276 

Massey,  Hon.  F.  W 329 

Mata,  Dr 123 

Mather,  James  317 

Mathew,  Father  38 

Maura.  Senor  M 124 

Mauritius  13 

Maya  Indians  297 


PAGE 

McCallum,  Sir  H.  E 178 

McGregor,  Sir  Wm.  320 

McLeod.  Rev.  Joseph  253 

McNicoll,  Rev.  D 316 

Mecklenburg-Schwerin  90 

Medical  Congress  (French)  119 

Meline,  M 116 

Memorial-Petition  ...  . 19 

Mendez,  Dr.  R 124,  125 

Menilik,  Emperor  215,  216 

Mercier,  Cardinal  113 

Merriman,  Mr 237 

Meulen,  P.  Van  der  112 

Meurwick  84 

Mexico  22.  295 

Michigan  285 

Middleton,  Sir  A 32 

Milan  12,  127,  132.  134,  136 

Milner,  Lord  239 

Minnesota  285 

Mirmen,  M 119 

Mississippi  269,  289 

Missouri  285 

Mitchell,  Consul-General  55 

Mladen,  Professor  B 143 

Moffat,  Robert  216 

Mohamet  4,  141,  147,  149,  184 

Mohammedans  ,..  5,  140,  149,  150,  161.  169, 

170,  171,  180,  184 

Monaco 127,  136 

Monravia 94 

Monsen.  Louis  60 

Montagu,  E.  .S 157,  160 

Montaldo,  Dr.  F 121.  124,  125 

Montana  292 

Monte  Carlo  127,  136,  137,  138 

Montenegro  139,  141,  143 

Montesano,  Dr 132 

Montevideo  304 

Morocco  209.  213 

Morpeth.  Lord  38 

Moskito  Indians  297 

Moujaras,  Dr.  J.  E 296 

Muller,  Max  4 

Munch,  Herr  P 42 

Municipal  Liquor  Canteens  238 

Municipal  Statistics  (Florence  135 


Natal  238 

Xatal  Mercury  241 

Nathan,  M 196,  241 

National  Advocate  (New  York)  140 

National  Prohibition.  Vote  for  326 

Native  Races  Committee  ...  174.  175,  205.  227 

Natives  and  Liquor  236.  238,  239.  241.  242,  243 

Navigatore  Island  324 

Neal  (Public  Health)  101 

Nebraska  285 

Negroes  and  Prohibition  270 

Neilage,  James  D 184 

Netherlands,  The  110.  203 

Netherlands : .-Abolition  of  .Alcoholic 

Liquors  112 

Neusten  Naclirichten  88 

Nevada  292 

Newcastle-on-Tyne  12.  13.  160 

Newman,  Piof.  F.  W 7 

New  Brunswick 254,  257 

Newton,  John  174,  206 

New  Guinea  310.  319 

New  Hebrides  322,  324 

New  Hampshire  277 

New  Jersey  281 

New  Mexico  292 

New  South  Wales  307,  311.  319 

New  York  12.  281 

New  York  Evening  Post 280 

New  Zealand  12.  14 

Newfoundland  266 

Nicaraqua  297 

Nicholls,  E.  W 315 


335 


PAGE 

Nigeria  203,  227 

Nisjegorodzel,  Professor  M 73 

Non-alcoholic  Wine  127 

North  Carolina  270-289 

North  Dakota  269-285 

North  Sea  W 

Northern  Australia 307 

Northern  Slavs  (Russia)  140 

Norway  13,  53-61,  72,  78,  79,  94,  115,  203 

Norwegian  Liquor  Commission  58 

Norwegian  Temperance  Federation  60 

Nova  Scotia  254,  258 

Ohio  286 

Oklahoma  269,  289 

Okushire,  Prohibition  in  ,,,  189,  190,  191 

Oliva,  Dr,  Adolfo  296 

Oliviera,  Dr.  J.  F.  V 300 

Olssen,  Hon  Oscar  61 

Ontario  254,  259 

Orange  Free  State  239 

Oregon  293 

Ottoman  Empire  151 

Overland  China.  Mail  196 

Pacific  Commercial  Advertiser  322 

Padilla,  Sen,  C 296 

Palestine 13,  147,  148 

Panama  Canal  302 

Pantulu,  Hon.  H.  P 166 

Papua  and  Papuans  ...  310,  319,  320,  321,  324 

Paraquay  303 

Parekh,  C.  K 167 

Parsees  184 

Partington  and  Co 57 

Pastrana,  Manuel  E 296 

Patriot  (New  Zealand)  2 

Pavone,  Profe.ssor  A 132,  133 

Peake,  Hon.  A.  H 315 

Pearce,  Senator  G.  F 308 

Pear!  Fishing  320,  321 

Pelaez.  Dr.  A.  L.  y 125 

Pennsylvania  282 

Perez.  Professor  E 124 

Permissive  Prohibition  Liquor  Bill  33 

Pernersdorfer,  M 94 

Persia  3,  4,  147,  149,  203 

Peru  303 

Peterssen,  Oskar  66 

Phillippine  Islands  195,  197,  198 

Phoenix  Islands  324 

Pioneer  (Canada)  259,  261 

Pitcairn  Island  323 

Plleiderer.  Dr.  med 92 

Poech,  Dr 95 

Poincare.  M 117 

Poland  78,  94,  105,  106 

Pollard,  Judge  89 

Ponce,  Dr.  F 296 

Popert,  Dr.  M.  H 91 

Popovitch,  Dr 143 

Portugal  22,  58,  121,  126,  195,  203 

Portuguese  West  Africa  232 

Pratt,  R.  S 152 

Probyn,  Sir  Leslie  229 

Prohibition  : Finland  Landtag  81 

Prohibition  Party  (U.S.A.)  268 

Prohibition,  Principle  of  7 

Prohibition  : Swedish  Riksdag  72 

Prohibition  : U.S.A.  Capitol  Buildings  273 

Proskowetz,  Chev.  Max  de  94 

Protection  of  Children’s  Act  30 

Portuguese  East  Africa  220 

Prince  Edward  Island  254,  261 

Prowse,  J.  H 309 

Prussia 83,  90,  91 

Public  Hygiene,  Society  of 299 

Puck.  72 

Purdy,  Dr.  J.  S 311 

Quebec  254,  261 


PAGE 

Queensland  307,  314 

Races  Congress,  Universal  179 

Railway  Workers  86,  256,  273,  301 

Rand  Gold  Fields  242 

Rangoon  Gazette 182 

Rathou,  Emilie,  Miss  61 

Rechabites  3,  14 

Reform  (Denmark)  42 

Regeneracion  Social  295 

Regis,  Professor  119 

Reirhsarbeitsblatt  87 

Reinach,  M 115,  116 

Review  of  Revietcs,  American  287 

Reykjavik  46 

Reynolds’  London  Newspaper  136 

Rhode  Island  269,  278 

Rhodesia  219 

Ridgway,  Sir  West  174 

Riga  82 

Roberts,  M.  Henri  113 

Roberts,  Sir  Herbert  168.  175 

Roberts,  J.  H 257 

Robertson,  J.  M 212 

Rofe,  W.  .1 315 

Roman  Catholic  T.  A.  Society  (France)  120 

Rome  132,  134,  135 

Rosenthal,  Dr.  M 99 

Ross,  Hon.  G.  W 255 

Rossler,  Gustav  95.  99 

Roubinovitch,  Dr 119 

Roumania  13,  139,  141-143 

Rowallan,  Lord  32 

Rudeet,  Anton  M 81,  82 

Rush,  Dr.  B 268 

Russia,  24,  73,  75,  76,  109.  150,  186, 

188,  193,  194,  203 
Russian  Consulate-General  (London)  ...  24 

Russian  Poland  106,  107 

Salgado,  Dr.  .1 303 

Salad  y Vida  297 

Salvation  Army  316 

Sainada,  Dr.  M.  M 295 

Samlags  53,  55,  57,  59,  60 

Samoan  Islands  323 

Sangro,  Sen.  P 125 

San  Domingo  297,  .298 

San  Salvador  297 

Sandwich  Islands  321 

Sanitary  Engineers,  Societ.y  of  299 

Santa  Cruz  324 

Santesson,  Professor  67 

Sargent,  L.  M 268 

Sarpsborg  51 

Sarvadhikary.  Hon.  D.  P 169 

Saskatchewan  265 

Savage-Landor,  A.  H 192 

Saxony  90 

Scandinavia  45 

Scandinavian  Congress  72 

Scanlon,  Professor  Charles  3,  295 

Schacherl,  Dr 97 

Scholl,  F 92 

Schreiner,  Senator  W.  P 235 

Schreiner,  Theo.  L 242 

Schuller,  M.  A 100,  104 

Schultz,  Dr.  Wolfgang 300 

Schumacher,  R.  W 240,  244,  245 

Schweidland,  Professor  E 98 

Scientific  Temperance  Federation  15 

Scoseria,  Dr 303 

Scotland  14,  30,  32,  36,  37 

Searle,  Senator  J 235 

Searle,  Thos 234 

Seebohm,  M 194 

Selwin-Ibbetson’s  Act  29 

Sen,  Dr.  Sun  Yat 152,  156 

Seppili,  Dr 132 

Servia  143 

Shephard,  Sir  S 219 


336 


PAGE 

Shopofl,  M.  V 141 

Siam  179,  185 

Siberia  73,  75,  78,  187,  193,  194 

Siegmund,  Dr 99,  101 

Sierra  Leone  206,  223,  229,  230 

Singapore  198 

Sinhalese  171,  172,  176,  177 

Sloley,  Sir  H.  C 218 

Smeaton,  J 315 

Smith,  Hon.  S 320 

Smith,  W.  Taylor  211 

Sobriety,  Struggle  for  3 

Socialist  Party  45,  59,  106,  114,  117,  130,  134 

Society  Islands  324 

Solomon  Islands  324 

Somaliland  217 

Sons  of  Temperance  14 

South  Africa  12,  13,  23,  234 

South  America  299 

South  Australia  307,  315 

South  Carolina  270,  289 

South  Dakota  269,  286 

South  Pacific 321 

Spain  58,  121,  123,  124,  125,  203,  205 

Speight,  W.  ,T 329 

Spence,  F.  S 251 

Staaff,  K 69,  72 

Stabliberg,  Senator  79 

Stiirner,  Hon.  A 61 

State  Monopoly  74  , 76.  128 

Statistical  Bureau  56,  66 

Steamboat  Workers  301 

Stein,  Dr.  P 99 

Stevenson,  Mrs 172 

Stockholm  12,  21,  56,  67,  132 

Stoddard,  Miss  C.  F 15 

Stolypin.  M 74 

Straits  Settlements  195,  198 

Strikes  114,  309 

Strumillo,  M.  T 105,  106 

Stuart,  Senator  .1 235 

Sudan  214 

Sunday  School  Temperance  Les.sons  ...  15,  16 

Swaziland  219 

Sweden  13,  21,  53,  56,  61,  63.  78,  99, 

115,  132.  203 

Swedenborg  4,  64 

Swedish  Liquor  Commission  69.  71 

Swedish  Royal  Family  63.  64.  71 

Swedish  Temperance  Bureau  61,  131 

Swinburne.  Sir  .lohn  32 

Switzerland  13,  22,  99,  114,  127-131.  205 

Sydney  Stnr  308 

Syria  147,  150,  238 


Tamils  177,  200 

Tasmania  307.  317 

Taylor,  Rev.  Dr 215 

Taylor,  Theo.  C 159 

Taylor,  Tom  E 325 

Tcheltcheff.  M 77 

Teece,  Rev.  A.  H 316 

Temperance  Education  ...  5,  15,  78,  81,  93,  95, 

98,  100,  108.  120.  136,  143. 

144,  189,  239,  272.  296,  317 

Tennessee  290 

Texas  290 

Thompson,  Miss  Anna  213 

Thomson,  J 223 

Thulin,  E.  .lason  71 

Thursday  Island  320 

Tiberti,  Professor  134 

Tibet  179.  185,  186 

Times  (London)  156.  228 

Tope,  Rev.  Homer  W 282 

Toronto  Globe  257 

Torres  Straits  320,  322 

Toxteth  Park  Estate 32 

Trade  and  Thrift  Society  273 

Transvaal  239.  242,  247 

Trans-Australian  Railway  308,  309 


PAGE 

Trans-Siberian  Railway  193 

Transylvanian  Medical  Association  ...  99 

Treej,  Pastor 81 

Trevelyan,  Sir  George  31 

Trevelyan,  Sir  W.  C 31 

Tribune  (South  Africa)  235,  2% 

Tripoli  214 

Tuberculosis  v.  Alcohol  ...  90.  118,  134,  135 

Tudor,  F.  G 309 

Tugwell,  Bishop  228 

Tunis 214 

Turati,  Signor  134 

Turkey  127,  139,  140,  141.  144,  147,  150.  157,  203 

Tutulia  Island  323 

Union  Islands  324 

United  Kingdom  .Alliance  31 

United  States  14,  23,  195,  197.  198, 

203,  205,  273 

United  States  Congress  ...  271,  272,  273,  322 

Uruguay  303 

Utah  293 

Varma,  Hon.  G.  P 167 

Venezuela  304 

Vera  Cruz  296 

Vermont  278 

V'ial,  Admiral  A.  F 302 

A’ictoria 317 

Vienna  12  , 45.  95  . 96  , 99.  105,  108 

Virginia  290 

Voigt,  Mrs.  R 87 

Votes  on  Prohibition  42,  45.  50.  56.  57, 

68,  112.  254.  255.  257,  260.  275.  276, 
284,  285.  288,  289.  290.  292.  293.  313, 
322,  325.  326.  327 

Wales  14,  30,  33 

Walker,  Hon.  Thomas  317 

Wallis,  Profes.sor  Curt  63,  67 

AVard,  Sir  Joseph  328 

Washington  (U.S.A.)  23.  24.  136,  293 

Washington,  Dr.  Booker  270 

AVavrinsky,  Hon.  Edvard  60.  74,  99 

AVeihaiwei  152 

AVelsh,  Thos 228 

AVengeboren,  Professor  Emil  101 

AVenham,  Dr 159 

AA'eslev,  .John  4 

AVest  Africa  223.  224  . 225 

West  Indies  14.  297 

AVest  A'irginia 267.  269,  290 

AA’estern  .Australia  317 

AA’estern  Pacific  322,  324 

AA’estern  Provinces  (India)  175 

Westminster  Gazette  (London)  214 

AViggins.  Captain  194 

AATlhelmina.  Queen  112 

AVilliams.  Rev.  C.  H 298 

AATlliams.  Sir  F 151 

AA’ilson.  Bishop  316 

AVine  Licence  .Act  29 

AVinston,  Rev.  AA'.  R 181 

AVisconsin  286 

AA'itwatersrand  Church  Council  ...  243,  244 

AATassak,  Dr.  R 95 

AA'omen’s  Christian  Temperance  Union 

13.  95.  268 

Wood,  Right  Hon.  J.  McKinnon  36.  38 

AA'ood,  Rev.  Thos.  B 303 

AVooley,  Hon.  .1.  G 322 

Wooley  and  .Tohnson,  Messrs. 197 

AVorth,  Captain  323 

AVyoming  294 

Yuan-Shih-Kai  156 

Yucatan  295 

Zanzibar  203,  216 

Zaragoza,  President  124 

Zerboglia.  Signor  134 

Zillereuelo,  Dr 301 


